Cilia
Pronunciation : Cil"i*a, n. pl. Cilium, the sing.
Part of Speech : is
Etymology : [L. cilium eyelid.]
Definition : 1. (Anat.)
Defn: The eyelashes.
2. (Biol.)
Defn: Small, generally microscopic, vibrating appendages lining certain organs, as the air passages of the higher animals, and in the lower animals often covering also the whole or a part of the exterior. They are also found on some vegetable organisms. In the Infusoria, and many larval forms, they are locomotive organs.
3. (Bot.)
Defn: Hairlike processes, commonly marginal and forming a fringe like the eyelash.
4. (Zo?l.)
Defn: Small, vibratory, swimming organs, somewhat resembling true cilia, as those of Ctenophora.
rarely used.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913