noun
- thick-walled structures containing fertilized eggs of certain parasites, especially those that cause diseases like malaria or toxoplasmosis
Usage: biology; parasitology
Examples
- The laboratory identified oocysts in the water sample.
- Oocysts can survive in the environment for extended periods.
- The parasite forms oocysts as part of its reproductive cycle.
- Contaminated food may contain infectious oocysts.
- Scientists studied the oocysts under a microscope.
- Proper sanitation helps prevent the spread of oocysts.