vorticella

noun

vor·​ti·​cel·​la ˌvȯr-tə-ˈse-lə How to pronounce vorticella (audio)
plural vorticellae ˌvȯr-tə-ˈse-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce vorticella (audio) or vorticellas
: any of a genus (Vorticella) of stalked bell-shaped ciliates

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin vortic-, vortex

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vorticella was in 1787

Dictionary Entries Near vorticella

Cite this Entry

“Vorticella.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vorticella. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vorticella

noun
vor·​ti·​cel·​la ˌvȯrt-ə-ˈsel-ə How to pronounce vorticella (audio)
plural vorticellae -ˈsel-ē How to pronounce vorticella (audio) or vorticellas
: any of a genus of ciliates that look like a bell on the end of a stalk

More from Merriam-Webster on vorticella

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!