syncytium

 
Pronunciation: /sɪnˈsɪtɪəm/

noun (plural syncytia /-tɪə/)

Biology
  • a single cell or cytoplasmic mass containing several nuclei, formed by fusion of cells or by division of nuclei.
  • Embryology material of this kind forming the outermost layer of the trophoblast.

Derivatives

syncytial

adjective

Origin:

late 19th century: from syn- 'together' + -cyte 'cell' + -ium