Flaggella

/fləˈdʒɛlə/ noun

Definition

Plural of flagellum; microscopic whip-like structures that help single-celled organisms move through liquids.

Etymology

This appears to be a non-standard or alternate plural of flagellum (Latin), though 'flagella' is the standard form. The word derives from Latin flagellum meaning whip or scourge.

Kelly Says

Even though 'flagella' is the proper plural, 'flaggella' shows how language evolves—people sometimes create variant forms, and occasionally these slip into informal use, especially in older scientific texts.

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