heterocyst

noun

het·​ero·​cyst ˈhe-tə-rō-ˌsist How to pronounce heterocyst (audio)
: a large transparent thick-walled cell that is found in the filaments of some cyanobacteria and is the site of nitrogen fixation
heterocystous
ˌhe-tə-rō-ˈsi-stəs How to pronounce heterocyst (audio)
adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heterocyst was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near heterocyst

heterocyclic amine

heterocyst

heterodactyl

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Heterocyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterocyst. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on heterocyst

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heterocyst

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