syncytial

/sɪnˈsɪʃəl/
adjective
  1. Relating to or having the form of a syncytium, a mass of cells that have merged together with shared cytoplasm.
    • The muscle fibers in the heart form a syncytial network that contracts as one unit.
    • Certain viruses cause syncytial formations in infected tissues.
    • The syncytial layer of the placenta helps exchange nutrients between mother and baby.
What does "syncytial" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean