PsychologyAugust 10, 2026

syncytial

sin-SISH-ul

Definition

Relating to or consisting of a syncytium, which is a mass of cytoplasm containing multiple nuclei that have not been separated into individual cells.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'syn-' meaning 'together' and 'kytos' meaning 'cell,' referring to the biological characteristic of fused cells sharing a common cytoplasm.

In the news

In the context of childhood vaccine discussions, the term usually refers to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that causes respiratory infections.

Trump issues executive order aimed at rewriting childhood vaccine schedule

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Scientific American

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