nematocyst

[ nem-uh-tuh-sist, ni-mat-uh- ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. an organ in coelenterates consisting of a minute capsule containing an ejectable thread that causes a sting.

nematocyst

/ nɪˈmætə-; ˈnɛmətəˌsɪst /

noun

1. a structure in coelenterates, such as jellyfish, consisting of a capsule containing a hollow coiled thread that can be everted to sting or paralyse prey and enemies

nematocyst

/ nĕm′ə-tə-sĭst′,nĭ-măt′ə-sĭst′ /

1. One of the minute capsules in the tentacles of cnidarians, such as jellyfish, hydras, or sea anemones, used for stinging. The capsule is produced by a special cell (called a cnidoblast) and contains a tightly coiled barbed thread that quickly shoots forth if the capsule's lid is disturbed. The thread often contains poison.

Derived Forms

• ˌnematoˈcystic, adjective

Other Words From

• nema·to·cystic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nematocyst¹

First recorded in 1870–75; nemato- + -cyst

Example Sentences

Now a team led by Matt Gibson and Ahmet Karabulut of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, Mo., has used cutting-edge imaging technology to study nematocyst firing in very fine detail.

From Scientific American

The tentacles are carpeted with hundreds of thousands of specialized cells, each harboring a capsule called a nematocyst that can fire a microscopic harpoon at speeds of more than 60 kilometers per hour.

From Science Magazine

The lid on Polykrikos’s nematocyst overlays a complicated, three-ringed structure not found in cnidarians that the scientists termed a “nozzle”.

From Scientific American

It contacts prey before the nematocyst and sits atop the nematocyst like the final stage of an Apollo rocket, connected to it by a newly discovered “linker” organelle.

From Scientific American

It does not appear that the nematocyst of Nematodinium actually fires like a Gatling gun, rotating, with only one barrel active at a time.

From Scientific American