Definitions

1. noun

A cyst or vesicle attached to or near the body of an arthropod, especially a female, and containing a sex gland or ovary.

“The arachnologist carefully examined the somatocyst of the female spider for reproductive characteristics.”

2. noun

In some invertebrates, a sac or cyst containing a reproductive gland or organ.

“The invertebrate biologist studied the somatocysts of the sea slug to understand its reproductive cycle.”