a long whiplike outgrowth from a cell that acts as an organ of locomotion: occurs in some protozoans, gametes, spores, etc
2. botany
a long thin supple shoot or runner
3. zoology
the terminal whiplike part of an arthropod's appendage, esp of the antenna of many insects
Derived forms
flagellar (flaˈgellar)
adjective
Word origin
C19: from Latin: a little whip, from flagrum a whip, lash
flagellum in American English
(fləˈdʒɛləm)
nounWord forms: pluralflaˈgella (fləˈdʒɛlə) or flaˈgellums
1.
a whip
2. Biology
a whiplike part or process of some cells, esp. of certain bacteria, protozoans, etc., that is an organ of locomotion or produces a current in the surrounding fluid
3. Botany
a threadlike shoot or runner
4. Zoology
the terminal, lashlike portion of the antenna in many insects