Flagella: meaning, definitions and examples

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flagella

 

[ flษ™หˆdส’ษ›lษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biological structure

Flagella are long, whip-like structures that extend from the surface of many types of cells. These appendages are primarily used for mobility, allowing organisms to swim in liquid environments. Flagella are found in various organisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and sperm cells. The movement of flagella is typically characterized by a wave-like motion, which propels the cell forward.

Synonyms

cilia, propeller, tail

Examples of usage

  • The sperm cell moved towards the egg using its flagella.
  • Many bacteria use flagella to navigate through liquid media.
  • Protozoa are often equipped with flagella for locomotion.

Translations

Translations of the word "flagella" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น flagelos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคซเฅเคฒเฅˆเคœเฅ‡เคฒเฅเคฒเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Flagellen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ flagela

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะถะณัƒั‚ะธะบะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wici

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้žญๆฏ›

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท flagelles

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ flagelos

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท flagella

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŽธ๋ชจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุณูˆุทูŠุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ biฤรญky

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ biฤรญky

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้žญๆฏ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ biฤiki

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ flagella

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถั–ะฟั‚ะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒšแƒแƒ’แƒ”แƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ flagella

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ flagelos

Word origin

The term 'flagella' is derived from the Latin word 'flagellum,' which means 'whip.' This reflects the structure's slender, elongated shape that resembles a whip. The use of the term in biological contexts has been documented since the mid-19th century, particularly as scientists began to understand cellular anatomy and the various ways in which cells are able to move. Advances in microscopy allowed for the observation of these structures in living organisms, leading to a deeper understanding of their functions. As research progressed, the study of flagella became essential in microbiology, contributing to our knowledge of motility in different cell types, particularly in microbial pathogens and reproductive cells.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,664, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.