Biont
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This article defines the term 'biont' as introduced by Ernst Haeckel. It refers to any organism or part of an organism capable of leading an independent existence, such as the detached rays of certain starfish that can regenerate into a new organism.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
BIONT (from Greek bios—life), a term coined by Haeckel to designate every organism or part thereof capable of leading an independent existence; thus, the rays of certain starfish, which, when detached from the whole, continue to live and develop into a new organism, may be called bionts.
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Cite this page
“Biont.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/biont/