trichocysts
/ˈtrɪkəˌsɪsts/
noun
- Plural form of trichocyst; multiple threadlike structures in single-celled organisms used for defense or prey capture.
- When threatened, the organism discharges its trichocysts in a rapid burst.
- The number of trichocysts varies among different species of ciliates.
- The paramecium's trichocysts are arranged in rows beneath the cell surface.