statolith

Synonym of otolith.

Noun

  1. Synonym of otolith.

    Synonyms: otolith

  2. A specialized form of amyloplast involved in graviperception by plant roots and most invertebrates.
    • The statolith is either acquired from the animal's surroundings or secreted by the epithelial cells of the statocyst. - 2002, David Randall, Eckert Animal Physiology, page 242:
    • When the squid (or other cephalopod) accelerates, the statolith is pressed back in its “seat” like a person in a car. - 2017, Danna Staaf, Squid Empire, ForeEdge, →ISBN, page 110:

Origin

From stato- + -lith.

Forms

statoliths