colloblast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “colloblast” mean?
A specialized adhesive cell found in comb jellies (ctenophores) used for capturing prey.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specialized adhesive cell found in comb jellies (ctenophores) used for capturing prey.
A microscopic, sticky cell unique to the phylum Ctenophora, containing granules that rupture upon contact to release adhesive material for ensnaring small organisms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical with no cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “colloblast” in a Sentence
The [organism] uses its colloblasts to [capture/ensnare] prey.Colloblasts are [located/found] on the [tentacles].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colloblast” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The colloblast structure was examined.
- Colloblast function is key to their diet.
American English
- The colloblast apparatus was imaged.
- Colloblast adhesion is remarkably strong.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in marine biology, zoology, and invertebrate anatomy papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; used in detailed descriptions of ctenophore morphology, physiology, and feeding ecology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colloblast”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colloblast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colloblast”
- Confusing it with 'nematocyst' (the stinging cell of jellyfish).
- Misspelling as 'coloblast' or 'collablast'.
- Using it as a general term for any adhesive biological structure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are fundamentally different. Colloblasts (in ctenophores) are adhesive and sticky. Jellyfish (cnidarians) use nematocysts, which are venomous, harpoon-like stinging cells.
No, colloblasts are microscopic cells located on the tentacles or body surface of comb jellies.
No, it is a highly specialized scientific term. The average native speaker would not know this word.
It derives from Greek 'kolla' meaning 'glue' and 'blastos' meaning 'germ' or 'cell'. It literally means 'glue cell'.
A specialized adhesive cell found in comb jellies (ctenophores) used for capturing prey.
Colloblast is usually technical/scientific in register.
Colloblast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒlə(ʊ)blɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑləˌblæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COLLO' like 'colloid' or 'glue' + 'BLAST' like a cell (e.g., fibroblast). A 'glue cell' that blasts out sticky stuff.
Conceptual Metaphor
A microscopic harpoon with superglue instead of a point.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a colloblast?