a structure in coelenterates, such as jellyfish, consisting of a capsule containing a hollow coiled thread that can be everted to sting or paralyse prey and enemies
Derived forms
nematocystic (ˌnematoˈcystic)
adjective
nematocyst in American English
(ˈnɛmətoʊˌsɪst)
noun
any of the intracellular stinging structures characteristic of all cnidarians, as the jellyfish: it containsa threadlike sting