Clinostat

/ˈklɪnəstæt/ noun

Definition

A laboratory device that slowly rotates samples to eliminate the effects of gravity, used in studying plant growth and cellular responses.

Etymology

From Greek 'klīnein' (to incline, lean) and Modern Latin 'stat' (stationary, from 'status'). Developed in 19th-century botany to control experimental variables.

Kelly Says

Plant scientists put seedlings on clinostats to watch them grow in any direction without gravity's influence—roots normally grow down and shoots up, but on a clinostat they get confused and grow spirals!

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