flagellum

noun

fla·gel·lum | \ flə-ˈje-ləm

plural flagella\ flə-ˈje-lə

\ also flagellums

Definition of flagellum

: any of various elongated filiform appendages of plants or animals: such as

a : the slender distal part of an antenna

b : a long tapering process that projects singly or in groups from a cell and is the primary organ of motion of many microorganisms

Recent Examples on the Web

The most well known is the amoeba, but these microbes come in several forms, including species that move with a single flagellum or with hairlike cilia. — Adrian Higgins, idahostatesman, "The zoo beneath our feet: We’re only beginning to understand soil’s hidden world," 23 Aug. 2017

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More Definitions for flagellum

flagellum

noun

fla·gel·lum | \ flə-ˈje-ləm

plural flagella\ -ˈje-lə \

: a structure resembling a whip that sticks out from a cell and by which some tiny organisms (as bacteria) move

flagellum

noun

fla·gel·lum | \ flə-ˈjel-əm

plural flagella\ -ə

\ also flagellums

: a long tapering process that projects singly or in groups from a cell and is the primary organ of motion of many microorganisms