: any of the minute lassoing or stinging organelles of protozoans and especially of many ciliates
Word History
First Known Use
1859, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
trichocyst
noun
tricho·cyst ˈtrik-ə-ˌsist
: any of the minute projectile organs that release adhesive threads when discharged and that occur on the body of protozoans and especially of many ciliates