filament

noun

fil·​a·​ment ˈfi-lə-mənt How to pronounce filament (audio)
: a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object, process, or appendage (see appendage sense 2): such as
a
: a tenuous (see tenuous sense 2) conductor (as of carbon or metal) made incandescent by the passage of an electric current
specifically : a cathode (see cathode sense 2) in the form of a metal wire in an electron tube
b(1)
: a thin and fine elongated constituent part of a gill (see gill entry 2 sense 1)
(2)
: an elongated thin series of cells attached one to another or a very long thin cylindrical single cell (as of some algae, fungi, or bacteria)
c
: the anther-bearing stalk of a stamen see flower illustration
filamentary adjective
filamentous adjective

Examples of filament in a Sentence

algae covered with tiny filaments the cable was made up of fine filaments twisted together
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bright filaments resemble the wispy structure of a dandelion, and studying their peculiar structure could help astronomers understand how the filaments formed in the first place. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024 Both pieces fill the here and now, as the spark illuminates the filament with a glowing, pulsing sense of the infinite present. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2024 There's a needle in the applicator, but a flexible filament ultimately sits under the skin below the sensor itself. Annika Kim Constantino,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2024 Speaking of which, its versatile filament holder can be mounted vertically or horizontally, and the large print bed allows for easy print removal. Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for filament 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Medieval Latin filamentum, from Late Latin filare to spin — more at file

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of filament was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near filament

Cite this Entry

“Filament.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filament. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

filament

noun
fil·​a·​ment ˈfil-ə-mənt How to pronounce filament (audio)
: a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object, process, or part: as
a
: a wire (as in a light bulb) that is made to glow by the passage of an electric current
b
: a long chain of cells (as of some bacteria or algae)
c
: the anther-bearing stalk of a plant stamen
filamentous adjective

Medical Definition

filament

noun
fil·​a·​ment ˈfil-ə-mənt How to pronounce filament (audio)
: a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object, process, or appendage
especially : an elongated thin series of cells attached one to another or a very long thin cylindrical single cell (as of some algae, fungi, or bacteria)
filamentous adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on filament

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