volvent

[ vol-vuhnt ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. a small, pear-shaped nematocyst discharging a thread that entangles its prey.

Word History and Origins

Origin of volvent¹

< Latin volvent- (stem of volvēns ), present participle of volvere to turn, twist; -ent

Example Sentences

I was astounded, thinking at first that Eustace's illness must be more serious than he had led me to suppose, but he smiled and said notre frere de Volvent, which was the nearest he could get to Walwyn, had nothing do with it; it was by express command of the Queen Regent, and that I might thank my mother and the Queen of England that it was no worse.

From Project Gutenberg

Now had the Seaman's volvent sprite, Lean from the chase that barked his contraband, A beggared applicant at every port, To strew the profitless deeps and rot beneath, Slung northward, for a hunted beast's retort On sovereign power; there his final stand, Among the perjured Scythian's shaggy horde, The hydrocephalic aerolite Had taken; flashing thence repellent teeth, Though Europe's Master Europe's Rebel banned To be earth's outcast, ocean's lord and sport.

From Project Gutenberg