First Known Use: 1794
Dictionary
cilium
noun cil·i·um \ˈsi-lē-əm\
plural cil·ia \-lē-ə\
Definition of CILIUM
1
: a minute short hairlike process often forming part of a fringe; especially : one on a cell that is capable of lashing movement and serves especially in free unicellular organisms to produce locomotion or in higher forms a current of fluid
2
: eyelash
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Origin of CILIUM
New Latin, from Latin, eyelid; akin to Latin celare to conceal — more at hell
CILIUM Defined for Kids
cilium
noun cil·i·um \ˈsi-lē-əm\
plural cil·ia \ˈsi-lē-ə\
Definition of CILIUM for Kids
: a tiny hairlike structure on the surface of some cells
Medical Dictionary
cilium
noun cil·i·um \ˈsil-ē-əm\
plural cil·ia \-ē-ə\
Medical Definition of CILIUM
1
: eyelash
2
: a minute short hairlike process often forming part of a fringe; especially : one of a cell that is capable of lashing movement and serves especially in free unicellular organisms to produce locomotion or in higher forms a current of fluid
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