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Glite Dictionary
collar cell

collar cell

9.6
A sponge cell with a tiny tail that moves water and traps food
  • noun
  • /ˈkɒlər sɛl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : célula collar
  • Each collar cell uses its flagellum to create a current that helps move water through the sponge's body.

Examples

  • The collar cell filters food particles from the water passing through the sponge.

  • Scientists observed how the structure of a collar cell enables it to trap nutrients efficiently.

  • Each collar cell uses its flagellum to create a current within the sponge's body.

  • A collar cell helps sponges filter food from water.

  • Many collar cells work together in a sponge.

  • The collar cell filters tiny food particles from the water as it flows through the sponge.

  • Scientists studied the function of a collar cell in maintaining water circulation within sponges.

Synonyms

choanocyte
vscollar cell
  • Specialized
9.9

A cell with a tail and a collar that makes water flow and catches food in sponges

is the common descriptive name for the same water moving sponge cell

Surface Forms

collar cell singular
collar cells plural

Morphology

collar + cell

The compound is literally built from 'collar' + 'cell' and denotes a cell that has a collar-like structure; a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer it is a type of cell characterized by a collar. In biological naming this composition is transparent across languages, even if the learner would not know the specific function (flagellum/water flow) without further domain knowledge.

Etymology

Collar cell comes from how this tiny cell looks: it has a ring like a collar around a small moving tail that beats to pull water. That ring helps trap food and keep the water moving, so the name refers to the cell that 'filters food' and 'keeps water flowing'.