Definition of filament
: a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object, process, or appendage (see appendage 2): such asa : a tenuous (see tenuous 2) conductor (as of carbon or metal) made incandescent by the passage of an electric current; specifically : a cathode (see cathode 2) in the form of a metal wire in an electron tubeb (1) : a thin and fine elongated constituent part of a gill (see 2gill 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
From the M-W Editors
Examples of filament in a Sentence
algae covered with tiny filaments
the cable was made up of fine filaments twisted together
Recent Examples of filament from the Web
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Their threads are surrounded by clouds of even more silk—extremely fine filaments, each a hundred times thinner than regular spider silk.
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The innovative fabric is comprised of (non-waterproof) polyester fibers coated by millions of microscopic filaments of silicone.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'filament'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of filament
Middle French, from Medieval Latin filamentum, from Late Latin filare to spin — more at file
Other Biology Terms
FILAMENT Defined for English Language Learners
filament
playDefinition of filament for English Language Learners
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: a thin thread or hair
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: a thin wire in a light bulb that glows when electricity passes through it
FILAMENT Defined for Kids
filament
playDefinition of filament for Students
1 : a fine thread a filament of silk
2 : a fine wire (as in a light bulb) that is made to glow by the passage of an electric current
3 : the stalk of a plant stamen that bears the anther
Medical Dictionary
filament
playMedical Definition of filament
: 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)
Learn More about filament
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for filament Spanish Central: Translation of filament Nglish: Translation of filament for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of filament for Arabic speakers
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