vorticella

noun vor·ti·cel·la \ˌvȯr-tə-ˈse-lə\

plural vor·ti·cel·lae\-ˈse-(ˌ)lē\ or vor·ti·cellas

Definition of VORTICELLA

: any of a genus (Vorticella) of stalked bell-shaped ciliates

See vorticella defined for kids

New Latin, from Latin vortic-, vortex

First Known Use: 1787

Next Word in the Dictionary: vorticellid (adjective)Previous Word in the Dictionary: vortical motionAll Words Near: vorticella

What made you want to look up vorticella? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears