cilium

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsɪlɪəm/

noun (usually in plural cilia /-lɪə/)

  • 1 Biology a short microscopic hair-like vibrating structure found 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.
  • 2 Anatomy an eyelash.

Origin:

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