flagellum

noun
fla·​gel·​lum | \ flə-ˈje-ləm How to pronounce flagellum (audio) \
plural flagella\ flə-​ˈje-​lə How to pronounce flagella (audio) \ 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

Examples of flagellum in a Sentence

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

First Known Use of flagellum

1852, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for flagellum

New Latin, from Latin, whip, shoot of a plant

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More Definitions for flagellum

flagellum

noun
fla·​gel·​lum | \ flə-ˈje-ləm How to pronounce flagellum (audio) \
plural flagella\ -​ˈje-​lə \

Kids Definition of flagellum

: 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 How to pronounce flagellum (audio) \
plural flagella\ -​ə How to pronounce flagella (audio) \ also flagellums

Medical Definition of flagellum

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