flagellum
UK: fləˈdʒɛləm | US: fləˈdʒɛləm
n. a slender, whip-like appendage used for locomotion by certain cells or microorganisms (e.g., sperm, bacteria)
n. (botany) a runner or creeping stem in plants
n. (historical) a whip or scourge, especially as an instrument of punishment
flagellum = flagell<whip> + um<noun suffix (Latin neuter)>
- flagell (from Latin flagellum, meaning "whip" or "scourge")
- um (Latin neuter noun suffix, indicating a tool or object)
Etymology Origin:
The word flagellum traces back to Latin, where it literally meant "whip." This reflects its biological function—a whip-like structure that propels cells (e.g., sperm tails or bacterial filaments). The term was later adopted in botany to describe creeping stems that "lash out" to spread plants. Its historical use for physical whips underscores the shared imagery of motion and striking.
The bacterium moves rapidly by rotating its flagellum.
In some plants, the flagellum helps the stem spread across the ground.
Ancient Romans used a flagellum as a brutal punishment tool.
Sperm motility depends on the flexibility of its flagellum.
Scientists observed the flagellum under an electron microscope.