The process by which a living organism, especially a parasite, forms a protective cyst around itself as a survival mechanism.
From en- (into) + cyst (from Greek kystis, bladder) + -ation (noun suffix). The term emerged in parasitology in the 19th century to describe how certain organisms protect themselves.
Many parasites like tapeworms can survive stomach acid and freezing temperatures by encysting—it's like nature's hermetically sealed container, allowing them to wait dormant for years until conditions improve.
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