: any of a phylum or subphylum (Ciliophora) of ciliated protozoans (such as paramecia)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebVarious other organisms also popped up alive in the mollusk feces, including springtails, ciliates, nematodes, mosses, and plant seeds. Yao-hua Law, Science | AAAS, 27 Mar. 2018
Word History
First Known Use
1916, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
ciliate
noun
cil·i·ate ˈsil-ē-ət, -ē-ˌāt
: any of a phylum or subphylum (Ciliophora) of ciliated protozoans (such as paramecia)