1. cilium(n = noun.animal) - a hairlike projection from the surface of a cell; provides locomotion in free-swimming unicellular organisms;
Derived form adjective cilial1, adjective ciliary2
2. cilium(n = noun.body) eyelash, lash - any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids;
Derived form adjective ciliary3
See Cilia. [1913 Webster]
cilium, n. (pl. cilia)
1 a short minute hairlike vibrating structure on the surface of some cells, causing currents in the surrounding fluid.
2 an eyelash.
Derivative:
ciliary adj. ciliate adj. ciliated adj. ciliation n.
Etymology:
L, = eyelash
N filament, line, fiber, fibril, funicle, vein, hair, capillament, cilium, cilia, pilus, pili, tendril, gossamer, hair stroke, veinlet, venula, venule, wire, string, thread, packthread, cotton, sewing silk, twine, twist, whipcord, tape, ribbon, cord, rope, yarn, hemp, oakum, jute, strip, shred, slip, spill, list, band, fillet, fascia, ribbon, riband, roll, lath, splinter, shiver, shaving, beard, ramification, strand, filamentous, filamentiferous, filaceous, filiform, fibrous, fibrillous, thread-like, wiry, stringy, ropy, capillary, capilliform, funicular, wire-drawn, anguilliform, flagelliform, hairy, taeniate, taeniform, taenioid, venose, venous.