A specialized stinging cell found in cnidarians (jellyfish, corals, sea anemones) that contains a nematocyst. When triggered, it rapidly fires a barbed thread to capture prey or defend against predators.
From Greek 'knide' meaning nettle and 'kytos' meaning cell, literally 'nettle cell.' Named for the stinging sensation these cells produce, similar to being stung by a nettle plant. The term was coined when microscopic examination revealed these specialized cellular weapons.
Cnidocytes are among nature's fastest weapons - they fire their stinging threads in less than 3 microseconds, creating pressures equivalent to a bullet! Each cell is a single-use weapon that must be replaced after firing.
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