Printer Friendly
Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary
3,916,962,211 visitors served.
forum Join the Word of the Day Mailing List For webmasters
?
Dictionary/
thesaurus
Medical
dictionary
Legal
dictionary
Financial
dictionary
Acronyms
 
Idioms
Encyclopedia
Wikipedia
encyclopedia
?

nematocyst

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
nem·a·to·cyst (nm-t-sst, n-mt-)
n.
A capsule within specialized cells of certain coelenterates containing a barbed, threadlike tube that delivers a paralyzing sting.
nematocyst
[nem′ətōsist′]
Etymology: Gk, nema, thread, eidos, form, kystis, bag
a capsule containing a barbed, threadlike process found in certain cells on the external surface of cnidarians, such as the Portuguese man-of-war and jellyfish. The nematocysts of some cnidarians can penetrate the skin and inject a poison, causing painful and potentially fatal injury.


Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
?Page tools
Printer friendly
Cite / link 		Feedback
Add definition
Mentioned in?  References in periodicals archive?   Medical browser?   Full browser?
 
Anemones are members of the Cnidaria family, which includes Hydroids and jellyfish: all of these animals are equipped with microscopic stinging structures called nematocysts located at the end of their tentacles.
Marine symbiosis: clownfish & anemones: the mutual symbiosis between ... by Drury, Fred / PSA Journal
These stinging cells are called nematocysts (neh MAT oh sistz).
Blooming jellies by Ehrenberg, Rachel / Science News for Kids
Most neomenioids are predators on octocorals or hydroids, whose nematocysts are seen in their midguts.
Biogeography, diversity, and evolution through vicariance of the ... by Scheltema, Amelie H. / Journal of Shellfish Research
 
 
 
Medical Dictionary
?

Terms of Use | Privacy policy | Feedback | Advertise with Us | Copyright © 2012 Farlex, Inc.
Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.