DictionaryflagellateCells with whiplike appendages
noun / adjective

flagellate

A cell or organism with one or more whiplike appendages.

A flagellate swims through the water using its whiplike appendage.

Etymology

The Latin noun means a small whip. A flagellate has one or more slender cellular appendages whose shape and movement suggest that implement.

More examples

  • The pond sample contains several kinds of flagellates.
  • Some flagellate cells have more than one flagellum.
  • Under the microscope, we watch a flagellate change direction.

Forms

flagellate · flagellates

flagellum noun — A whiplike cellular appendage often used for movement.

Similar words

flagellated
Describes cells bearing flagella but does not name the organism.