The word "flagellated" (/fləˈdʒel-eɪ-tɪd/) is spelled with two "L's" and two "T's." The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by a "JH" sound (/dʒ/). The second syllable has an open "E" sound followed by a "L" and a stress on the last syllable. The final two syllables have a short "I" sound and end in a voiceless "T." The word means to whip or beat, often used in a scientific context to describe cells with tail-like appendages.
Flagellated is an adjective derived from the verb "flagellate," which refers to the act of whipping, lashing, or beating something. Used primarily in biology and microbiology, flagellated describes a specific characteristic of certain organisms or cells that possess whip-like appendages called flagella. Flagella are thread-like structures that protrude from the surface of these organisms or cells, enabling them to move or propel themselves through fluids, such as water or mucus.
The term "flagellated" is most commonly used in the context of describing microorganisms such as bacteria, protists, and algae that exhibit flagella. When an organism is described as flagellated, it signifies that it possesses one or more whip-like appendages that facilitate its locomotion. The distinct motion generated by the beating of the flagella enables these organisms to navigate their surroundings and seek favorable growth conditions or food sources.
The flagella of flagellated organisms are typically made of a protein called flagellin, and the number, arrangement, and movement patterns of these appendages can vary across different species. Some organisms may have one or a few flagella located at one end, while others may have multiple flagella distributed all over their surface. Additionally, the movement of these flagella can vary, ranging from smooth undulations to rapid rotations or wave-like motion.
In summary, the term "flagellated" describes organisms or cells that possess whip-like appendages called flagella, enabling them to move and propel themselves through fluids.
Flagellate (1).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word flagellated is derived from the Latin word flagellatus, which is the past participle of flagellare. Flagellare is a verb that means to whip or to flog. The Latin word, in turn, is derived from flagellum, which means whip or lash.