trichocyst

noun

tricho·​cyst ˈtri-kə-ˌsist How to pronounce trichocyst (audio)
: any of the minute lassoing or stinging organelles of protozoans and especially of many ciliates

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trichocyst was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near trichocyst

trichocercous

trichocyst

trichode

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Cite this Entry

“Trichocyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trichocyst. Accessed 27 Jan. 2023.

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Medical Definition

trichocyst

noun
tricho·​cyst ˈtrik-ə-ˌsist How to pronounce trichocyst (audio)
: any of the minute projectile organs that release adhesive threads when discharged and that occur on the body of protozoans and especially of many ciliates

More from Merriam-Webster on trichocyst

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trichocyst

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