Statoblast

1 definition found

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

  Statoblast \Stat"o*blast\ (st[a^]t"[-o]*bl[a^]st), n. [Gr.
     stato`s standing (i. e., remaining) + -blast.] (Zool.)
     One of a peculiar kind of internal buds, or germs, produced
     in the interior of certain Bryozoa and sponges, especially in
     the fresh-water species; -- also called {winter buds}.
     [1913 Webster]


  
     Note: They are protected by a firm covering, and are usually
           destined to perpetuate the species during the winter
           season. They burst open and develop in the spring. In
           some fresh-water sponges they serve to preserve the
           species during the dry season. See Illust. under
           {Phylactolaemata}.
           [1913 Webster]