verb
- forms or becomes enclosed in a cyst or protective covering
Usage: biology; third person singular present
Examples
- The parasite encysts in the muscle tissue of its host.
- When conditions become unfavorable, the organism encysts to survive.
- The amoeba encysts during periods of drought.
- This species encysts as part of its normal life cycle.
- The pathogen encysts in the liver and remains dormant.
- Under stress, the microorganism encysts within a protective wall.