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flagellum

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noun fla·gel·lum \ flə-ˈje-ləm \

Definition of flagellum

plural flagella play \flə-ˈje-lə\ 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

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Recent Examples of flagellum from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flagellum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of flagellum

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

FLAGELLUM Defined for Kids

flagellum

play
noun fla·gel·lum \ flə-ˈje-ləm \

Definition of flagellum for Students

plural flagella \-ˈje-lə\
:a structure resembling a whip that sticks out from a cell and by which some tiny organisms (as bacteria) move

Medical Dictionary

flagellum

play
noun fla·gel·lum \ flə-ˈjel-əm \

medical Definition of flagellum

plural flagella play \-ə\ 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

Learn More about flagellum

  1. See words that rhyme with flagellum Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flagellum

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smooth or hairless

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flagellum

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