axostyle
|ax-o-style|
/ˈæk.səˌstaɪl/
axis-like support rod
Etymology
'axostyle' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'axostylus,' where 'axo-' (from Greek 'axōn') meant 'axis' and '-stylus' (from Greek 'stylos') meant 'pillar or stake'.
'axostylus' was formed in New Latin from Greek elements and entered scientific English as 'axostyle' in modern biological terminology (late 19th to early 20th century).
Initially coined to denote an 'axis-like pillar' in morphology, the term came to be used specifically for the rod- or ribbon-like support organelle in certain protozoa and has retained that specialized sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a longitudinal, rod- or ribbon-like structural organelle found in certain flagellated protozoans (e.g., some trichomonads), extending along the cell body from the basal region and thought to provide support and sometimes aid in locomotion or attachment.
Under the microscope, the axostyle extended along the length of the protozoan, appearing as a stiffened rod.
Last updated: 2025/12/06 17:14