schizont

[ skiz-ont, skit-sont ]

noun

, Biology.

1. (in the asexual reproduction of certain sporozoans) a cell developed from a trophozoite, which undergoes multiple fission to form merozoites.

schizont

/ ˈskɪtsɒnt /

noun

1. a cell formed from a trophozoite during the asexual stage of the life cycle of sporozoan protozoans, such as the malaria parasite

Word History and Origins

Origin of schizont¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; schiz(o) ( def ) + -ont ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of schizont¹

C19: from schizo- + -ont a being, from Greek einai to be

Example Sentences

Commitment to either fate is determined during the preceding cell cycle that begins with invasion by a single, asexually committed merozoite and ends, 48 hours later, with a schizont releasing newly formed merozoites, all committed to either continued asexual replication or differentiation into gametocytes2,3.

From Nature

It remains to be noted that in Karyolysus lacertarum, according to Labb�, two kinds of schizont are developed, which give rise, respectively, to micromerozoites and megamerozoites, in either case enclosed in a delicate cytocyst.

From Project Gutenberg

A young trophozoite which is becoming a gametocyte is distinguished from one which gives rise to a schizont by its much slower rate of growth, and the absence of any vacuoles in its cytoplasm.

From Project Gutenberg

The only small problem with Ms. Shah’s narrative is the likelihood that if you don’t know your falciparum from your vivax and your merozoite from your schizont, you won’t be learning it all here.

From New York Times

Once inside a new host-cell, the merozoite grows to a schizont again.

From Project Gutenberg