tylote, n. (a.) Zool.
(ˈtaɪləʊt)
Also in L. form tylotus (taɪˈləʊtəs).
[ad. Gr. τυλωτός knobbed, vbl. adj. f. τυλοῦν to make knobby, f. τύλος knob.]
A sponge-spicule of the form of a cylindrical rod with a knob at each end; also attrib. or adj. Hence ˈtylotate a. [-ate2], shaped like a tylote, knobbed; ‖ tyloˈtoxea [oxea], a spicule resembling a tylote but pointed at one end (whence tyloˈtoxeate a., shaped like a tylotoxea).
| 1887 Sollas in Encycl. Brit. XXII. 416/2 (Sponges) The spicular rays often become cylindrical;..they are..frequently rounded off (strongylate), or thickened into knobs (*tylotate), or branched (cladose). Ibid. 417/2 The distal ends..becoming slightly tylotate. |
| Ibid. 417/1 The rhabdus..if knobbed at both ends [is known] as a *tylote. 1888 ― in Challenger Rep. XXV. p. lviii, Tylostyle. A style which is tylote at the origin. |
| 1887 ― in Encycl. Brit. XXII. 417/1 The tylote if pointed at one end is a *tylotoxea. |
| 1891 Cent. Dict. (citing Sollas) *Tylotoxeate. |
| 1886 R. von Lendenfeld in Proc. Zool. Soc. 21 Dec. 561 *Tylotus. A cylindrical rod with a knob at each end. |