Zool. Also in mod.L. form strongyla. [ad. Gr. στρογγύλη fem. (agreeing with ῥάβδος RHABDUS) of στρογγύλος round.] A sponge-spicule of the rhabdus type, rounded at both ends. Hence Strongylate, Strongylote adjs., having the shape of a strongyle.
1887. S. O. Ridley, in Challenger Rep., XX. p. xvi. Strongyla; here the spicule is not pointed at all, but the ends are evenly rounded off. Ibid., 36. Spicules.—Oxeote to strongylote, size variable.
1887. Sollas, in Encycl. Brit., XXII. 416/2. (Sponges) Usually pointed (oxeate) at the ends, they [the spicular rays] are also frequently rounded off (strongylate), or thickened into knobs (tylotate), or branched (cladose). Ibid. The rhabdus if pointed at both ends is known as an oxea; if rounded at both ends as a strongyle.
1900. E. A. Minchin, in Ray Lankester’s Treat. Zool., II. Sponges, 137. Whether the extremities are sharp (‘oxeote’),… rounded (‘strongylote’), knobbed (‘tylote’) [etc.].
