Biflagelate

/baɪˈflædʒəleɪt/ adjective

Definition

Having two flagella (whip-like tails used for movement), especially in reference to single-celled organisms.

Etymology

From Latin 'bi-' (two) plus 'flagellum' (whip or scourge), plus the suffix '-ate' (having). Used in microbiology since the 19th century to classify protists and bacteria.

Kelly Says

Many microscopic creatures are 'biflagelate'—they swim using two little whips, kind of like a microscopic person doing the backstroke, and scientists can identify entire species just by counting those flagella!

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