A hair-like sensory trigger structure on a cnidocyte that, when touched, causes the stinging cell to discharge its venom.
From Greek knide (sting) + Latin cilium (eyelash, hair). Named for its whip-like appearance and function as a sensory trigger mechanism.
A cnidocil is essentially a tripwire—the slightest touch activates one of the animal kingdom's fastest reflex reactions!
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