Biol. Pl. -ia. Also anglicized syncyte. [mod.L. (Haeckel), f. Gr. σύν SYN- + κύτος receptacle, vessel, taken as = cell (see -CYTE).] A single cell or protoplasmic mass containing several nuclei, formed either by fusion of a number of cells without fusion of the nuclei, or by division of the nucleus without division of the cell-substance. b. A structure composed of such cells forming the outermost fetal layer of the placenta.
1877. Huxley, Anat. Inv. Anim., iii. 113. The ectoderm is a transparent, slightly granular, gelatinous mass in which nuclei are scattered, but which, in the unaltered state, shows no trace of primitive distinctness of the cells which contain these nuclei, and is therefore termed by Haeckel a syncytium.
1878. Bell, trans. Gegenbaur’s Comp. Anat., § 26. 31. One [group of muscular tissue] consists of cells simple in form, the other of fibres derived from cell-aggregates, or from syncytia; the latter is indicated by the presence of numerous cell-nuclei.
1899. Allbutt’s Syst. Med., VI. 260. The presence of emboli of placental giant-cells (syncytium) in the pulmonary capillaries in cases of puerperal eclampsia.
1909. J. W. Jenkinson, Experim. Embryol., 55. The fusion of distinct cells into a syncytium, as in the trophoblast.
Hence Syncytial a., of the nature of or pertaining to a syncytium; Syncytiolyse v. [cf. next], to cause destruction of the syncytium (see b above); Syncytiolysin [LYSIN] (see quot.); ǁ Syncytioma [mod.L. after sarcoma, etc.], a tumor of the syncytium (sense b); Syncytiotoxin (see quot.).
1895. Athenæum, 29 June, 842/1. The origin of the ova from *syncytial masses of protoplasm.
1903. Thayer, Schmaus’ Path. & Pathol. Anat., 545. Syncytial masses, or trabeculæ of syncytial cells.
1905. Brit. Med. Jrnl., 26 Aug. Epit. Curr. Med. Lit., 35/1. *Syncytiolysing antibodies.
1913. Dorland, Med. Dict. (ed. 7), *Syncytiolysin, a lysin destructive to the syncytium. Ibid., *Syncytiotoxin, a toxin that has a specific action on the syncytium.
