n., pl., -i·a (-ē-ə).
- A microscopic hairlike process extending from the surface of a cell or unicellular organism. Capable of rhythmical motion, it acts in unison with other such structures to bring about the movement of the cell or of the surrounding medium.
- An eyelash.
- Botany. One of the hairs along the margin or edge of a structure, such as a leaf, usually forming a fringe.
[Latin, eyelid.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
