statocyst

[ stat-uh-sist ]
/ ˈstæt əˌsɪst /

noun Zoology.

(in certain invertebrates) a sense organ consisting of a sac enclosing sensory hairs and particles of sand, lime, etc., that functions in maintaining equilibrium, serving to indicate position in space.

Origin of statocyst

1900–05; stato- (see statoblast) + -cyst

British Dictionary definitions for statocyst

statocyst
/ (ˈstætəʊsɪst) /

noun

an organ of balance in some invertebrates, such as crustaceans, that consists of a sensory vesicle containing small granules See statolith