Cnidoblast

/ˈnaɪdoʊblæst/ noun

Definition

A cell that develops into a mature cnidocyte (stinging cell), found in the tentacles and body of jellyfish and related sea creatures.

Etymology

From Greek knide (sting) + blastos (germ, bud, newly formed cell). The compound describes a cell in its formative stage before it becomes a functional stinging cell.

Kelly Says

Jellyfish continuously produce new cnidoblasts throughout their lives, so they're always manufacturing fresh stinging ammunition!

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