1. multinucleate cells or organisms containing multiple nuclei within a single cell membrane, typically found in certain fungi, algae, and other microorganisms
Usage: biology; technical

Examples

• The fungal hyphae developed as coenocytes with numerous nuclei sharing the same cytoplasm.
• Many algae exist as coenocytes rather than as separate individual cells.
• The biologist observed coenocytes under the microscope during her study of fungal reproduction.
• Coenocytes allow for rapid growth and efficient nutrient distribution in certain organisms.
• The formation of coenocytes is common in the early stages of some fungal life cycles.
• Students learned that coenocytes differ from typical cells by having multiple nuclei.