STATOBLAST

Etymology

Noun

statoblast (plural statoblasts)

(zoology) One of a peculiar kind of internal buds, or germs, produced in the interior of certain Bryozoa and sponges. They are protected by a firm covering, and are usually destined to perpetuate the species during the winter season. They burst open and develop in the spring. In some freshwater sponges they serve to preserve the species during the dry season.

Source: Wiktionary

Stat"o*blast, n. Etym: [Gr. i.e., remaining) + -blast.] (Zoöl.)

Definition: One of a peculiar kind of internal buds, or germs, produced in the interior of certain Bryozoa and sponges, especially in the fresh- water species; -- also called winter buds.

Note: They are protected by a firm covering, and are usually destined to perpetuate the species during the winter season. They burst open and develop in the spring. In some fresh-water sponges they serve to preserve the species during the dry season. See Illust. under Phylactolæmata.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition