cil·i·um (s l  - m)n. pl. cil·i·a (- -) 1. A microscopic hairlike process extending from the surface of a cell or unicellular organism. Capable of rhythmical motion, it acts in unison with other such structures to bring about the movement of the cell or of the surrounding medium. 2. An eyelash. 3. Botany One of the hairs along the margin or edge of a structure, such as a leaf, usually forming a fringe. [Latin, eyelid; see kel-1 in Indo-European roots.] |
cilium [ˈsɪlɪəm]
n pl cilia [ˈsɪlɪə]
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) any of the short thread-like projections on the surface of a cell, organism, etc., whose rhythmic beating causes movement of the organism or of the surrounding fluid
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) the technical name for eyelash
[New Latin, from Latin: (lower) eyelid, eyelash]
| cilium (sl-m) Plural cilia A tiny hairlike projection on the surface of some cells and microscopic organisms, especially protozoans. Cilia are capable of whipping motions and are used by some microorganisms, such as paramecia, for movement. Cilia lining the human respiratory tract act to remove foreign matter from air before it reaches the lungs. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | cilium - a hairlike projection from the surface of a cell; provides locomotion in free-swimming unicellular organisms cell organ, cell organelle, organelle - a specialized part of a cell; analogous to an organ; "the first organelle to be identified was the nucleus" |
| 2. |  cilium - any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelidshair - a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss; "he combed his hair"; "each hair consists of layers of dead keratinized cells" |
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