Sporocyst

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Sporocyst \Spo"ro*cyst\ (-s[i^]st), n. [Gr. ? seed + ? bladder.]
     1. (Zool.) An asexual zooid, usually forming one of a series
        of larval forms in the agamic reproduction of various
        trematodes and other parasitic worms. The sporocyst
        generally develops from an egg, but in its turn produces
        other larvae by internal budding, or by the subdivision of


        a part or all of its contents into a number of minute
        germs. See {Redia}.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool.) Any protozoan when it becomes encysted and
        produces germs by sporulation.
        [1913 Webster]