The stinging organelle within a cnidocyte, consisting of a coiled thread inside a capsule that can be explosively discharged to inject toxins or entangle prey. Different types serve various functions from prey capture to defense.
From Greek 'nema' meaning thread and 'kystis' meaning bladder or sac, literally 'thread sac.' The name describes the coiled thread stored within the capsule-like structure, discovered through early microscopic studies of cnidarian stinging cells.
A nematocyst is like a microscopic harpoon gun loaded with poison - the pressure inside is 150 times atmospheric pressure, and when it fires, it accelerates at 5 million times the force of gravity! Some can even penetrate crab shells.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.