Fibril

/ˈfɪbrɪl/ noun

Definition

A small fiber or filament; a microscopic or tiny thread-like structure, especially found in cells, tissues, or materials.

Etymology

From Latin 'fibrilla,' a diminutive of 'fibra' (fiber), used in both anatomy and materials science to describe submicroscopic structures.

Kelly Says

Your muscle fibers are actually bundles of fibrils—these tiny contractile units are what actually shorten when you flex, and they're so organized that biologists can see them under an electron microscope in perfect striped patterns.

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