monocystid
/mɒnə(ʊ)ˈsɪstɪd/Zoology
noun
A gregarine parasite of the former group Monocystidea or the family Monocystidae, characterized by adults that are aseptate.
- Such gregarines are typified by the genus Monocystis, whose members are parasites of earthworms..
adjective
Designating a gregarine in which the adult is aseptate; of or relating to the former group Monocystidea or the family Monocystidae.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Ray Lankester (1847–1929), zoologist. Originally from scientific Latin Monocystidea, group name from ancient Greek μονο- + κύστις + scientific Latin -idea, after scientific Latin Monocystis, genus name. In later use from scientific Latin Monocystidae, family name from Monocystis + -idae.