Encysted

/ɛnˈsɪstɪd/ adjective

Definition

Enclosed or trapped within a cyst, or having formed a protective cyst around oneself.

Etymology

Past participle of encyst, from en- + cyst. Used in medical and biological contexts since the 1800s to describe organisms that have developed cyst walls.

Kelly Says

Encysted parasites in meat are why we cook our food thoroughly—the cysts protect the organism from digestive juices, so heat is needed to destroy them before they can infect you.

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