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pellicle

noun
pel·​li·​cle | \ ˈpe-li-kÉ™l How to pronounce pellicle (audio) \

Definition of pellicle

: a thin skin or film: such as
a : an outer membrane of some protozoans (such as euglenoids or paramecia)
b : a film that reflects a part of the light falling upon it and transmits the rest and that is used for dividing a beam of light (as in a photographic device)

Examples of pellicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Transferring the mother, along with a layer of the pellicle, will both work to quickly start new fermentations in the future. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit, "Homemade Vinegar," 19 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pellicle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pellicle

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pellicle

Middle French pellicule, from Medieval Latin pellicula, from Latin, diminutive of pellis

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More Definitions for pellicle

pellicle

noun
pel·​li·​cle | \ ˈpel-i-kÉ™l How to pronounce pellicle (audio) \

Medical Definition of pellicle

: a thin skin or film: as
a : an outer membrane of some protozoans (as euglenoids or paramecia)
b : a bacterial growth in the form of a sheet on the surface of a liquid medium
c : a thin layer of salivary glycoproteins coating the surface of the teeth

More from Merriam-Webster on pellicle

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with pellicle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pellicle

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