oocyst

noun

oo·​cyst ˈō-ə-ˌsist How to pronounce oocyst (audio)
: zygote
specifically : a sporozoan zygote undergoing sporogenous development

Examples of oocyst in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Free-range animals are more prone to pick up infectious Toxoplasma oocysts in outdoor pastures and water sources, which have a higher likelihood of being contaminated with cat feces. Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 10 July 2024 Changing the litter box daily ensures that the oocysts will not become a danger. Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2024 After infection, hardy, thick-walled forms of the parasites (oocysts) are shed in feces. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 26 Oct. 2023 What is certain is that people can become infected with Toxoplasma through oocysts expelled by cats. Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2024 When an infected or recently sick swimmer takes a dip, oocysts can enter the pool. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 26 Oct. 2023 Once released, an oocyst can persist in soil or water for years. Gustavo Arrizabalaga and Bill Sullivan, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2015 Southern sea otters are commonly exposed through their diet, eating clams and other filter-feeding invertebrates that contain the oocysts. Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 22 Mar. 2023 The oocyst stage is the bottleneck in this process. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2012

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oocyst was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near oocyst

Cite this Entry

“Oocyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oocyst. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

oocyst

noun
oo·​cyst ˈō-ə-ˌsist How to pronounce oocyst (audio)
: zygote
specifically : a sporozoan zygote undergoing sporogenous development

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