flagellum

noun

fla·​gel·​lum flə-ˈje-ləm How to pronounce flagellum (audio)
plural flagella flə-ˈje-lə How to pronounce flagellum (audio) also flagellums
: 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 This means that the flagellum has a fool-proof mechanism to enable swimming in low viscosity environments, which would otherwise be impossible for aquatic species. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 27 Sep. 2023 Choanoflagellates live in seawater and use a tail, called a flagellum, to move through their environment and find food. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 12 Jan. 2016 Microscopic examinations revealed the spore surface is lined with rows of proteins called rodlins that may grab a passing flagellum—working much like Velcro. Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 22 Mar. 2021 These organisms use a long, tail-like structure called a flagellum to move about. Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2019 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, 23 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flagellum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flagellum was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near flagellum

Cite this Entry

“Flagellum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flagellum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flagellum

noun
fla·​gel·​lum flə-ˈjel-əm How to pronounce flagellum (audio)
plural flagella -ˈjel-ə How to pronounce flagellum (audio) also flagellums
: a long whiplike structure by which some tiny plants and animals move
flagellar
-ˈjel-ər
adjective

Medical Definition

flagellum

noun
fla·​gel·​lum flə-ˈjel-əm How to pronounce flagellum (audio)
plural flagella -ə How to pronounce flagellum (audio) 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

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