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cilium

Syllabification: (cil·i·um)
Pronunciation: /ˈsilēəm/
Definition of cilium

noun (usually in plural cilia /ˈsilēə/)

Biology & Anatomy
  • a short, microscopic, hairlike vibrating structure. Cilia occur in large numbers on the surface of certain cells, either causing currents in the surrounding fluid, or, in some protozoans and other small organisms, providing propulsion.
  • an eyelash, or a delicate hairlike structure that resembles one.

Origin:

early 18th century (in the sense 'eyelash'): from Latin

cilium in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of cilium in the British & World English dictionary
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