What is "cnidocyte"

n. (context biology English) A capsule, in certain cnidarians, containing a barbed, threadlike tube that delivers a paralyzing sting

A cnidocyte (also known as a cnidoblast or nematocyte) is an explosive cell containing one giant secretory organelle or cnida (plural cnidae) that defines the phylum Cnidaria ( corals, sea anemones, hydrae, jellyfish, etc.). Cnidocyte is also called the "stinging cell". Cnidae are used for prey capture and defense from predators. Despite being morphologically simple, lacking a skeleton and many species being sessile, cnidarians prey on fish and crustaceans. A cnidocyte fires a structure that contains the toxin, from a characteristic subcellular organelle called a cnidocyst (also known as a cnida or nematocyst). Nematocyst is also called the "stinging organ". The toxin is usually a hypnotoxin. This is responsible for the stings delivered by a cnidarian.