neuromast

[ noor-uh-mast, nyoor- ]

noun

1. a group of innervated sensory cells occurring along the lateral line of fishes and aquatic amphibians.

Other Words From

• neuro·mastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of neuromast¹

1910–15; neuro- + -mast < Greek mastós hillock, literally, breast

Example Sentences

When water passes over the neuromast, it pushes hairlike cells that are surrounded by a gel called cupula.

From Washington Post