Definition

A small organ found in some invertebrates that helps them maintain balance and sense their position in space. It contains a fluid-filled sac and small particles that move with the animal, stimulating sensory cells.

Example

The octopus uses its statocyst to navigate through the water and maintain its balance.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a statocyst?

No, what’s that?

It's an organ that helps some invertebrates balance and sense their position.

That sounds really interesting! I didn't know they had something like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Statocyst → It is formed from "stato-" (from Greek "statos", meaning standing or stable) and "cyst" (from Greek "kystis", meaning bladder or sac). The word refers to a sac that helps maintain balance or stability in certain organisms.

Memory Tip

Think of 'standing' ('stato-') and a 'sac' ('cyst') that helps keep balance — that's what a statocyst does.

Visually Confused Words