Definitions

1. noun

A sexual structure found in certain marine animals, such as jellyfish, that produces and releases nematocysts for capturing prey.

“The pycnidium of the jellyfish is used to immobilize its prey before ingestion.”

2. noun

A spore-bearing organ found in certain fungi, such as ascomycetes, that produces and disperses spores.

“The pycnidium of the fungus plays a crucial role in its life cycle by producing and releasing spores.”