statolith
/ˈstætəˌlɪθ/
noun
- A small, dense particle in the cells of some plants and animals that helps the organism sense gravity and maintain balance or orientation.
- The jellyfish uses statoliths in its sensory organs to stay upright in the water.
- Scientists study statoliths to understand how animals like lobsters know which way is up.
- In plant roots, statoliths settle at the bottom of cells to tell the root which way is down.