flagellum

fla·gel·lum

noun \flə-ˈje-ləm\

plural fla·gel·la\-lə\ also fla·gel·lums

Definition of FLAGELLUM

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

Origin of FLAGELLUM

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

First Known Use: 1852

Rhymes with FLAGELLUM

clitellum, haustellum, labellum, postbellum, rostellum, scutellum

fla·gel·lum

noun \flə-ˈjel-əm\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; fla·gel·la \-ə\ (audio pronunciation)also ; fla·gel·lums

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

flagellum

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

The bacterium Proteus vulgaris (greatly magnified) showing flagella—© Lee D. Simon—Photo Researchers

Hairlike structure that acts mainly as an organelle of movement in the cells of many living organisms. Characteristic of the protozoan group Mastigophora, flagella also occur on the sex cells of algae, fungi (see fungus), mosses, and slime molds. Flagellar motion causes water currents necessary for respiration and circulation in sponges and cnidarians. Most motile bacteria move by means of flagella. The structures and patterns of movement of flagella in prokaryotes differ from those in eukaryotes. See also cilium.