WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Stat"o*blast
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Gr. i.e., remaining) + -blast.] (Zo?l.)
Definition : Defn: One of a peculiar kind of internal buds, or germs, produced in the interior of certain Bryozoa and sponges, especially in the fresh- water species; -- also called winter buds.

Note: They are protected by a firm covering, and are usually destined to perpetuate the species during the winter season. They burst open and develop in the spring. In some fresh-water sponges they serve to preserve the species during the dry season. See Illust. under Phylactol?mata.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913