basal body

American  

noun

Cell Biology.

1. a cylindrical organelle, within the cytoplasm of flagellated and ciliated cells, that contains microtubules and forms the base of a flagellum or cilium: identical in internal structure to a centriole.

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Etymology

Origin of basal body

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, I monitored my basal body temperature, weighing motherhood against the seriousness of our courtship.

From Salon • Aug. 28, 2021

Many FABMs do so by tracking physical signs of hormonal shifts, including changes in cervical fluid and a spike in basal body temperature.

From Scientific American • Apr. 25, 2019

Methods that use only basal body temperature or only cervical mucus are less effective, but still provide better contraceptive efficacy than the rhythm method.

From Slate • Sep. 19, 2018

Women using the app must take their temperatures immediately after waking up each morning using a basal body thermometer.

From Washington Post • Aug. 14, 2018

Many variables affect individuals’ basal body temperatures, says Chris Paras, an endocrinologist and associate clinical dean of internal medicine at Brookdale University Hospital, New York.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2016