syncytium

[ sin-sish-uhm, -ee-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Biology.

, plural syn·cy·tia [sin-, sish, -, uh, -, sish, -ee-, uh].

syncytium

/ sɪnˈsɪtɪəm /

zoology a mass of cytoplasm containing many nuclei and enclosed in a cell membrane

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; syn-, cyto-, -ium

C19: New Latin; see syn- , cyto- , -ium

In the early stages of many arthropods it is certain that the whole embryo is at first an unmistakable syncytium.

The ovum before segmentation is therefore in the condition of a syncytium.

The ovum, like that of Eupagurus before segmentation, is now a syncytium.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse