Cilium

Pronunciation: /ˈsɪliəm/

Definitions of cilium

noun a microscopic, hair-like structure found on the surface of cells, used for movement or sensing the environment

Example Sentences

A1 A cilium is a tiny hair-like structure found on the surface of some cells.

A2 Cilia help move fluid and particles along the surface of cells.

B1 The cilium is essential for the movement of sperm in the male reproductive system.

B2 Defects in ciliary function can lead to various genetic disorders.

C1 Research on the cilium has revealed its importance in sensory perception and signal transduction.

C2 The cilium acts as a cellular antenna, detecting and responding to external stimuli.

Examples of cilium in a Sentence

formal The cilium is a hair-like organelle found on the surface of many cells.

informal I learned in biology class that the cilium helps with cell movement.

slang My friend's hair looks like a cilium sticking out of his head.

figurative Her eyelashes fluttered like cilia in the wind.

Grammatical Forms of cilium

• plural: cilia
• comparative: more ciliated
• superlative: most ciliated
• present tense: cilia
• future tense: will cilia
• perfect tense: has ciliaed
• continuous tense: is ciliaing
• singular: cilium
• positive degree: ciliary
• infinitive: to cilia
• gerund: ciliating
• participle: ciliated

Origin and Evolution of cilium

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'cilium' originated from Latin.

Evolution of the word: The word 'cilium' originally referred to the eyelid or eyelash in Latin. Over time, it came to be used in biology to refer to the short, hair-like structures found on certain cells, such as those in the respiratory tract or the lining of the intestines.