curli

/ ˈkɜːlɪ /

plural noun

1. bacteriol curled hairlike processes on the surface of the bacterium Escherichia coli by means of which the bacterium adheres to and infects wounds

Word History and Origins

Origin of curli¹

C20: from curl ( ed ) ( pil ) i

Example Sentences

The new work brings these trends together, creating genetic switches that respond to chemical signals, and engineered genes that produce synthetic filaments of a protein called curli - biopolymers already known to have the strength of steel.

From BBC

With this the fact seems to be connected that he has appointed for his theologian at the Council the most learned and liberal-minded man of his Order, Father de Buck—a man whose views stand in much the same relation to those of his fellow-Jesuits Perrone, Schrader, and Curli, as the Bishop of Orleans's views to those of the Archbishop of Westminster.

From Project Gutenberg

That was when Giovanni Curli suddenly waved his big checkered flag, signaling the end of the race.

From Time Magazine Archive

They also got an unscheduled added attraction in the performance of Flagman Giovanni Curli, official in charge of signaling the start and finish.

From Time Magazine Archive

Flagman Curli literally stopped the show.

From Time Magazine Archive