cilia

[ sil-ee-uh ]

plural noun

, singular cil·i·um [sil, -ee-, uh, m].

1. Biology. minute hairlike organelles, identical in structure to flagella, that line the surfaces of certain cells and beat in rhythmic waves, providing locomotion to ciliate protozoans and moving liquids along internal epithelial tissue in animals.
2. Anatomy. the eyelashes.

cilia

/ ˈsɪlɪə /

noun

1. the plural of cilium

Word History and Origins

Origin of cilia¹

1705–15; New Latin, plural of cilium eyelash, Latin: upper eyelid, perhaps a back formation from supercilium eyebrow; supercilium

Example Sentences

Scientists at UC San Francisco have discovered that cells can also use the cell cycle to control how they sprout hair-like projections called cilia.

From Science Daily

Magnetic cilia -- artificial hairs whose movement is powered by embedded magnetic particles -- have been around for a while, and are of interest for applications in soft robotics, transporting objects and mixing liquids.

From Science Daily

The researchers found many of the genes involved in the two diseases implicated primary cilia, tiny antenna-like structures on the cell's surface that sense chemical changes in the cell's surrounding environment.

From Science Daily

They found that the infants who experienced respiratory distress had malfunctioning cilia in their airways, which refers to the hair-like structures that cleanse the airways of inhaled particles and pathogens.

From Salon

Primary cilia are possibly also involved in receiving and sending signals to the rest of the body which can also enhance wound repair.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• grain
• thread
• tissue