Definition of CILIUM

cilium

Meanings

Plural: cilia

Noun

  • a hairlike projection from the surface of a cell; provides locomotion in free-swimming unicellular organisms
  • any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids
  • A short microscopic hairlike organelle projecting from a eukaryotic cell (such as a unicellular organism or one cell of a multicelled organism) which serve either for propulsion by causing currents in the surrounding fluid or as sensors.
  • One of the fine hairs along an insect's wing.
  • One of the hairs or similar protrusions along the margin of an organ.
  • An eyelash.

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from Latin cilium (“eyelid”).

Synonyms

eyelash, lash

Scrabble Score: 10

cilium is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
cilium is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
cilium is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

cilium is a valid Words With Friends word