nematocysts

/ˈnɛmətəˌsɪsts/ /ˈniːˈmætəˌsɪsts/

Meanings

noun

A capsule, in certain cnidarians, containing a barbed, threadlike tube that delivers a paralyzing sting

Examples :

"When the jellyfish brushed against the swimmer's leg, the nematocysts fired, injecting venom and causing a painful sting. "

Related Words

brushed verb

/ˈbɹʌʃt/

To clean with a brush.

"Brush your teeth."

jellyfish noun

/ˈdʒɛliˌfɪʃ/

An almost transparent aquatic animal; any one of the acalephs, especially one of the larger species, having a jellylike appearance.

"The jellyfish washed ashore near the beach where the children were playing. "

against preposition

/əˈɡeɪnst/ /əˈɡɛ(ɪ)nst/ /əˈɡɛnst/

In a contrary direction to.

"It is hard work to swim against the current."

containing verb

/kənˈteɪnɪŋ/

To hold inside.

"The box containing my old toys was stored in the attic. "

paralyzing verb

/ˈpærəˌlaɪzɪŋ/ /ˈpærəˌlaɪsɪŋ/

To afflict with paralysis.

"The accident was paralyzing his legs, making it impossible for him to walk. "

cnidarians noun

/naɪˈdɛəriəns/ /nɪˈdæriəns/

Any of various invertebrate animals, such as jellyfish, hydras, sea anemones, corals and formerly sponges and ctenophores that belong to the phylum Cnidaria.

"During our field trip to the aquarium, we learned that jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones are all examples of cnidarians. "

injecting verb

/ɪnˈdʒɛktɪŋ/

To push or pump (something, especially fluids) into a cavity or passage.

"The nurse injected a painkilling drug into the veins of my forearm."

swimmer noun

/ˈswɪm.ə(ɹ)/ /ˈswɪm.ɚ/

One who swims.

"The school's swimming team has a new swimmer this year. "

certain noun

/ˈsɝtn̩/ /ˈsɜːtn̩/

(with "the") Something certain.

"The certain success of the project was a relief to the team. "

delivers verb

/dɪˈlɪvərz/ /dəˈlɪvərz/

To set free from restraint or danger.

"deliver a captive from the prison"

capsule noun

/ˈkæpsjuːl/ /ˈkæps(ə)l/

A membranous envelope.

"The scientist examined the small capsule containing the bacteria. "

causing verb

/ˈkɔzɪŋ/ /ˈkɑzɪŋ/

To set off an event or action.

"The lightning caused thunder."