Definition

A type of bud produced by certain freshwater animals that can survive harsh conditions and grow into a new organism when the weather becomes suitable.

Example

The statoblasts of the bryozoan can remain dormant during the winter and then grow into new colonies in the spring.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a statoblast?

No, I haven't! What is it?

It's a bud that freshwater bryozoans produce to survive the winter.

That sounds fascinating! Nature has some clever survival strategies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Statoblast → It is formed from "stato-" (from Greek "statos", meaning standing or stationary) and "-blast" (from Greek "blastos", meaning germ or bud). The word refers to a dormant stage of certain aquatic organisms that can remain stationary until conditions are favorable for growth.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'standing' ('stato-') and 'germinating' ('-blast') — a statoblast is a dormant bud that can grow when the time is right.

Visually Confused Words