Acinetic

/ˌeɪsɪˈnɛtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Without motion or movement; relating to the non-motile stage or characteristic of organisms lacking cilia or ability to move.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) plus 'kinetos' (motion) plus '-ic' (characterized by). This general term describes any organism or life stage lacking the ability to self-propel.

Kelly Says

Acinetics in biology represent organisms that abandoned movement—a paradox, since their ancestor ciliates were all about motion, showing how evolution sometimes turns down the energy demands of being active!

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