Defn: A small rounded body contained in the nucleus of a cell or a protozoan.
Note: It was termed by Agassiz the entoblast. In the protozoa, where it may be situated on one side of the nucleus, it is sometimes called the endoplastule, and is supposed to be concerned in the male part of the reproductive process. See Nucleus.
NUCLEOPLASM
Nu"cle*o*plasm, n. Etym: [Nucleus + -plasm.] (Biol.)
Defn: The matter composing the nucleus of a cell; the protoplasm of the nucleus; karyoplasma.
NUCLEOPLASMIC
Nu`cle*o*plas"mic, a. (Biol.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to nucleoplasm; — esp. applied to a body formed in the developing ovum from the plasma of the nucleus of the germinal vesicle.
NUCLEUS Nu"cle*us, n.; pl. E. Nucleuses, L. Nuclei. Etym: [L., a kernel, dim. fr. nux, nucis, nut. Cf. Newel post.]
1. A kernel; hence, a central mass or point about which matter is gathered, or to which accretion is made; the central or material portion; — used both literally and figuratively. It must contain within itself a nucleus of truth. I. Taylor.
2. (Astron.)
Defn: The body or the head of a comet.