fla·gel·lum (fl -j l m)n. pl. fla·gel·la (-j l) 1. Biology A long, threadlike appendage, especially a whiplike extension of certain cells or unicellular organisms that functions as an organ of locomotion. 2. A whip. [Latin, diminutive of flagrum, whip.] |
flagellum [fləˈdʒɛləm]
n pl -la [-lə], -lums
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) Biology a long whiplike outgrowth from a cell that acts as an organ of locomotion: occurs in some protozoans, gametes, spores, etc.
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) Botany a long thin supple shoot or runner
3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) Zoology the terminal whiplike part of an arthropod's appendage, esp of the antenna of many insects
[from Latin: a little whip, from flagrum a whip, lash]
flagellar adj
| flagellum (fl-jlm) Plural flagella A slender whiplike part extending from some single-celled organisms, such as the dinoflagellates, that moves rapidly back and forth to impart movement to the organism. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  flagellum - a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)whip - an instrument with a handle and a flexible lash that is used for whipping |
| 2. | flagellum - a lash-like appendage used for locomotion (e.g., in sperm cells and some bacteria and protozoa) eubacteria, eubacterium, true bacteria - a large group of bacteria having rigid cell walls; motile types have flagella sperm, sperm cell, spermatozoan, spermatozoon - the male reproductive cell; the male gamete; "a sperm is mostly a nucleus surrounded by little other cellular material" |
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