Encyst: meaning, definitions and examples

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encyst

 

[ ɪnˈsɪst ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

biological process

To encyst means to enclose or form a cyst around an organism, such as a parasite or bacteria, often as a protective mechanism. This process can occur in various organisms to provide a sheltering environment during adverse conditions.

Synonyms

cocoon, enclose, wrap

Examples of usage

  • The parasite will encyst in the host's tissues.
  • During adverse conditions, the bacteria can encyst to survive.
  • Some protozoa encyst to endure harsh environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "encyst" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encistar

🇮🇳 किसी चीज़ में कैद करना

🇩🇪 einkapseln

🇮🇩 mengkapsul

🇺🇦 вкривати

🇵🇱 otoczyć

🇯🇵 囊に入れる

🇫🇷 encapsuler

🇪🇸 encapsular

🇹🇷 kapsüllemek

🇰🇷 낭에 넣다

🇸🇦 يُغَلف

🇨🇿 uzavřít v cystě

🇸🇰 uzavrieť v cyste

🇨🇳 包囊

🇸🇮 oviti

🇮🇸 umbúða

🇰🇿 қаптау

🇬🇪 დასაფარებელი

🇦🇿 qablaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 encapsular

Word origin

The term 'encyst' is derived from the prefix 'en-' meaning 'to cause to be in' and 'cyst', which comes from the Greek 'kystis' meaning 'bladder' or 'sac'. The use of this term has its roots in the biological sciences where it describes a process that is crucial for the survival of certain microorganisms in unfriendly environments. Encystment allows these organisms to go into a dormant state, protecting them from environmental threats such as temperature fluctuations, dehydration, or lack of nourishment. The concept has been widely studied in parasitology, microbiology, and ecology, as it plays a significant role in the life cycles of various pathogens and their interactions with hosts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,373, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.