1. a short hairlike structure that projects from certain cells and beats rhythmically to create movement or currents
Usage: biology
2. an eyelash
Usage: anatomy

Examples

• The cilia in her respiratory tract help sweep mucus and debris out of her lungs.
• Paramecia use their cilia to swim through pond water.
• Damaged cilia in the airways can lead to breathing problems.
• The doctor examined each cilium under the microscope.
• Cilia line the fallopian tubes and help move the egg toward the uterus.
• She applied mascara carefully to each cilium.
• The cell’s cilia beat in coordinated waves.