IPA: /ˈɪdiəˌblæst/
KK: /ˈɪdiəˌblæst/
A type of plant cell that has a different shape or structure compared to the surrounding cells.
The idioblasts in the plant's tissue help it adapt to its environment.
Idioblast is formed from "idio-" (from Greek "idios", meaning one's own or personal) and "blast" (from Greek "blastos", meaning germ or sprout). The word refers to a cell that is distinct or specialized in its own right, highlighting its unique characteristics.
Think of 'idio-' meaning 'one's own' and 'blast' meaning 'germ' or 'sprout' — this helps you remember that an idioblast is a specialized cell that is unique in its own way.