flagella flagella /flə ˈdʒɛ lə/
Definition(s):
- (n) a whip used to inflict punishment (often used for pedantic humor)
- (n) a lash-like appendage used for locomotion (e.g., in sperm cells and some bacteria and protozoa)
Usage(s):
- The micrographs clearly show membranes, nuclei, sometimes surrounding capsules and whiplike appendages called flagella.
- If, for instance, a hostile substance is introduced into its surroundings, the bacterium uses its flagella long, hairlike appendagesto swim away from it.
- Among other things, optical tweezers can keep a tiny organism swimming in place while scientists study its paddling flagella under a microscope.
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