pilus

noun

pi·​lus ˈpī-ləs How to pronounce pilus (audio)
plural pili ˈpī-ˌlī How to pronounce pilus (audio)
: a hair or a structure (as on the surface of a bacterial cell) resembling a hair

Examples of pilus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Maybe each of those growths, known as a pilus, was actually a wire that latched onto the rust, Dr. Lovley thought. New York Times, 1 July 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pilus.' 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

Latin

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pilus was in 1760

Dictionary Entries Near pilus

Cite this Entry

“Pilus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pilus. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

pilus

noun
pi·​lus ˈpī-ləs How to pronounce pilus (audio)
plural pili -ˌlī How to pronounce pilus (audio)
: a hair or a structure (as on the surface of a bacterial cell) resembling a hair

More from Merriam-Webster on pilus

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