Noun: flagellum (flagella,flagellums) flu'je-lum
- A lash-like appendage used for locomotion (e.g., in sperm cells and some bacteria and protozoa)
"The flagellum of the bacterium propelled it through the liquid medium"
- A whip used to inflict punishment
"The flagellum was a cruel instrument of torture";
- scourge
Derived forms: flagellums, flagella
Type of: appendage, outgrowth, process, whip
Part of: eubacteria, eubacterium, sperm, sperm cell, spermatozoan, spermatozoon, true bacteria
Encyclopedia: Flagellum