statolith

[ stat-l-ith ]

noun

1. Zoology. any of the granules of lime, sand, etc., contained within a statocyst.
2. Botany. an inclusion, as a starch grain, that by a change in position within the cells of an organ or part is assumed to cause a corresponding change in position of the organ or part.

statolith

/ ˈstætəʊlɪθ /

noun

1. Also calledotolith any of the granules of calcium carbonate occurring in a statocyst: movement of statoliths, caused by a change in position of the animal, stimulates hair cells, which convey the information to the brain by nerve fibres
2. any of various movable inclusions, such as starch grains, that occur in plant cells and are thought to function in geotropic responses

Derived Forms

• ˌstatoˈlithic, adjective

Other Words From

• stato·lithic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of statolith¹

1895–1900; stato- ( statoblast ) + -lith

Example Sentences

Now the team is analyzing a structure inside the squid called the statolith.

From Science Daily

In addition to estimating age, microelements contained within the statolith can be used to estimate the ocean condition experienced by the squid at the time that part of the statolith developed.

From Science Daily

The statolith is a dense mineral or organic plumb bob.

From Scientific American

As the animal moves, inertia causes the statolith to move within the chamber, stimulating the nerves surrounding it and enabling the animal to gauge its orientation in space.

From Scientific American

Importantly, the presence of a statolith in these fossils implies they already possessed a nervous system.

From Scientific American