ciliata: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “ciliata” mean?
A class of protozoans characterized by having cilia (hair-like structures) for locomotion and feeding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A class of protozoans characterized by having cilia (hair-like structures) for locomotion and feeding.
Informally, any organism bearing cilia; used in biological contexts to refer to structures or organisms possessing these microscopic hair-like organelles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in usage or spelling; the term is identical in both varieties due to its Latin origin and specialized scientific nature.
Connotations
Solely academic/scientific. No additional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to biology textbooks, research papers, and academic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “ciliata” in a Sentence
[the] Ciliata [verb]...[Species] belongs to Ciliata.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biology, microbiology, and protistology courses and literature to classify a specific group of protozoa.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core usage. Precise term in taxonomy and microscopic organism research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ciliata”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ciliata”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ciliata”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a ciliata'). The word is a plural Latin noun referring to a class. Treating it as a common English word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun (from Latin) referring to the entire class. An individual organism is a 'ciliate'.
No, it is a highly specialized scientific term. In general contexts, terms like 'microscopic organisms' or 'tiny pond life' would be more appropriate.
Ciliophora is the name of the phylum, a higher taxonomic rank. Ciliata traditionally refers to a class within that phylum, though modern taxonomy often uses Ciliophora for the entire group.
In older biology textbooks, specific taxonomic literature, or in academic courses focusing on invertebrate zoology or protistology.
A class of protozoans characterized by having cilia (hair-like structures) for locomotion and feeding.
Ciliata is usually technical/scientific in register.
Ciliata: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪl.iˈɑː.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪl.iˈɑː.t̬ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Ciliata sounds like 'silly ata' – think of silly little hairs (cilia) moving 'ata' (at a) rapid pace.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this highly technical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of organisms in Ciliata?