STATOBLAST

Stat″o‐blast (stăt″ō̍‐blăst), n. [[Gr. στατόσ standing (i.e., remaining) + -blast.]] (Zoöl.) 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. ☞ 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 Phylactolæmata.