choanocyte n 1: any of the flagellated cells in sponges having a collar of cytoplasm around the flagellum; they maintain a flow of water through the body [syn: {choanocyte}, {collar cell}]
choanocyte \cho"a*no*cyte`\ (k[=o]"[.a]*n[-o]*s[imac]t`; k[=o]*[a^]n"[-o]*s[imac]t`), n. [Gr. choa`nh funnel + -cyte.] any of the flagellated cells in sponges having a collar of cytoplasm around base of the flagellum; they maintain a flow of water through the body. Syn: collar cell. [WordNet 1.5]