flagellum

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fla·gel·lum / ˌfləˈjeləm/ • n. (pl. -gel·la / -ˈjelə/ ) Biol. a slender threadlike structure, esp. a microscopic whiplike appendage that enables many protozoa, bacteria, spermatozoa, etc., to swim.DERIVATIVES: fla·gel·lar / fləˈjelər; ˈflajələr/ adj.

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