before a vowel strongyl-, used Zool. as combining form of STRONGYLE2 in names for forms of sponge-spicule. Strongylaster [Gr. ἀστήρ star], a rhabdus strongylate at one extremity and star-shaped at the other. Strongyloclad, Strongyloxea: see quots.
1888. W. J. Sollas, in Challenger Rep., XXV. p. lv. Strongyloclad, the esactine is strongylate, the ecactine cladose. Ibid. Strongyloxea, a rhabdus with a strongylate esactine and oxeate ecactine. Ibid., 417. The microsclere when present is a spheraster or oxyaster or strongylaster.
