cilia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cilia” mean?
Microscopic hair-like structures that extend from the surface of many cells, used for movement or sensing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Microscopic hair-like structures that extend from the surface of many cells, used for movement or sensing.
Can refer to eyelashes in medical or formal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical scientific/medical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general English, equally common in scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cilia” in a Sentence
The cilia + verb (e.g., beat, wave, move)Cilia + on/along/in the + [body part/tissue]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cilia” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- ciliary
- ciliated
American English
- ciliary
- ciliated
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in biology, medicine, and related life sciences.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of specific health discussions (e.g., respiratory illness).
Technical
Core term in cell biology, anatomy, and physiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cilia”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cilia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cilia”
- Using 'cilia' as a singular noun (correct singular: 'cilium').
- Confusing 'cilia' with 'flagella' (usually longer and fewer per cell).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is plural. The singular form is 'cilium', though 'cilia' is often used as a collective term.
In common language, no. 'Eyelashes' is the everyday term. In precise anatomical terminology, 'cilia' can refer to eyelashes, but this is technical and less common.
Both are hair-like projections. Cilia are usually shorter, more numerous, and move in coordinated waves. Flagella are typically longer (like a tail), fewer (often just one or two per cell), and propel the cell itself.
They are found lining the respiratory tract (nose, trachea, bronchi), the fallopian tubes, the ventricles of the brain, and on many other epithelial cells throughout the body.
Microscopic hair-like structures that extend from the surface of many cells, used for movement or sensing.
Cilia is usually technical/scientific in register.
Cilia: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪl.i.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪl.i.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'silly' hairs. 'Silly' sounds like 'cilia' - tiny, hair-like structures that do important work.
Conceptual Metaphor
TINY OARS (cilia beat in a coordinated wave like oars on a boat).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of motile cilia in the human respiratory system?