Definition of "encystment" [en•cyst•ment]

• The formation of a cyst (noun)
• The process of becoming enclosed by a cyst (noun)

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• "It is common to all of the protozoa to develop forms which have great powers of resistance, this being due in some cases to encystment, in which condition a resistant membrane is formed on the outside, in others to the production of spores."
• "The encystment of the protoplasm (occurring under conditions upon which naturalists do not seem agreed [1]) is to all appearance protective from an unfavourable environment, but it is often a period of internal change as well, resulting in a segregation within the mass of numerous small units, followed by a breakup of the whole into these units."
• "Weismaun, encystment of protoplasm, 68; length of life and somatic cells, 96; origin of death, 83; tendency to early reproductiveness, 98."