Flagellum

Pronunciation

• IPA: /fləˈdÊ’É›lÉ™m/

Origin

From Latin flagellum ("whip"), diminutive of flagrum, from Proto-Indo-European *bhlag ("to strike").

Full definition of flagellum

Noun

1. (biology) In protists, a long, whiplike membrane-enclosed organelle used for locomotion or feeding.
2. (biology) In bacteria, a long, whiplike proteinaceous appendage, used for locomotion.
3. A whip

Synonyms

• (organelle of protists) cilium
• (whip) whip