n. [ Gr. stato`s standing (i. e., remaining) + -blast. ] (Zool.) One of a peculiar kind of internal buds, or germs, produced in the interior of certain Bryozoa and sponges, especially in the fresh-water species; -- also called winter buds. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ They are protected by a firm covering, and are usually destined to perpetuate the species during the winter season. They burst open and develop in the spring. In some fresh-water sponges they serve to preserve the species during the dry season. See Illust. under Phylactolaemata. [ 1913 Webster ]