ciliate
UK: ˈsɪliət | US: ˈsɪliˌeɪt
adj. having minute hairs or hair-like structures (cilia)
n. a protozoan or other organism bearing cilia
The word "ciliate" derives from Latin cilium (eyelash or tiny hair), referencing the hair-like projections (cilia) found on certain microorganisms. The suffix -ate indicates possession of this feature. The term evolved in scientific contexts to describe organisms like protozoans that use cilia for movement or feeding, preserving the original "hair-like" imagery.
The pond water teemed with ciliate protozoans under the microscope.
Ciliate cells use their hair-like structures to propel themselves.
Biologists study ciliate behavior to understand primitive locomotion.
The ciliate's rapid movement is due to coordinated cilia beating.
Some ciliate species exhibit complex mating rituals.