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calycle

calycle

9.9
A small cup-shaped hollow that holds a tiny animal or body part like a coral polyp
  • noun
  • /ˈkælɪˌkəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : calículo
  • The coral's calycle protects the soft polyp inside its hard structure.

Examples

  • Researchers examined the calycles located at the base of each taste bud under the microscope.

  • Each polyp lives in a separate calycle within the colony, providing it with stability.

  • The calycle of the coral houses the polyp.

  • Many species of coral have a distinct calycle shape.

  • The coral's calycle serves as a protective cup for the polyp inside.

  • Each taste bud contains several calycles that are crucial for sensing flavor.

  • In coral reefs, the calycle is essential for housing individual polyps.

Synonyms

calyculus
vscalycle
  • Specialized
9.9

A small cup-shaped hollow that protects tiny parts of plants and animals

has identical meaning but is a different spelling or form
caliculus
vscalycle
  • Specialized
9.9

A small cup-shaped part in animals or coral skeletons that holds a tiny organ like a taste bud

has identical meaning but is an alternate spelling used for the same concept

Surface Forms

calycle singular
calycles plural

Etymology

Calycle comes from the Latin calyculus, a small form of calyx that meant 'cup' or 'husk'. So a calycle is like a tiny cup that holds a polyp or a small cup-shaped part in tissue.