Ciliferous

/sɪˈlɪfərəs/ adjective

Definition

Bearing or producing cilia; having the ability to grow or develop cilia.

Etymology

From Latin cilium (eyelash) plus -ferous (from Latin -fer meaning 'bearing or carrying'), literally meaning 'cilia-bearing.'

Kelly Says

Many organisms can dynamically 'decide' whether to grow cilia based on their environment—paramecia in stagnant water versus moving water show different ciliary patterns, which is why ciliferous organisms are studied to understand how cells sense and respond to their surroundings.

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