Definition of Cilia
Cilia: The fine hairlike projections from certain cells such as those in the respiratory tract that sweep in unison and help to sweep away fluids and particles. Some single-celled organisms use the rhythmical motion of cilia for locomotion.
Cilia is the plural of cilium, a Latin word referring to the edge of the eyelid and, much later, to the eyelashes. In the same sense, cilia came to refer to the fine hairlike projections from cells.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20383
Last Editorial Review: 5/3/2002
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