trichocyst

An organelle in certain protozoans, especially ciliates, consisting of filamentous fibers that are discharged suddenly.

A hair-cell; one of the minute rod-like or hair-like bodies developed in the subcuticular layer of many infusorians: so named by G. J. Allman in 1855. They represent or resemble the cnidæ or threadcells of cœlenterates.

A lasso cell.

A threadlike organ in certain protozoans that can be discharged suddenly in order to grasp or sting