flagellum

• Sustantivo que designa un apéndice delgado y flexible, semejante a un látigo, que usan algunas células y microorganismos para moverse; también, históricamente, un látigo usado para castigar.

A noun referring to a slender, whip-like appendage used for movement in certain cells and microorganisms, or historically a whip used for punishment.

plural irregular

1. Whip for punishmentC2formal

   A whip or lash used to inflict punishment, often referred to in a pedantic or humorous context.

   Látigo para castigo

   • In his lecture on Roman discipline, he humorously mentioned the flagellum.
   • The historian described the flagellum as a tool of punishment in ancient times.
   • He used the term flagellum to sound more scholarly about the whip.

   Sinónimoscatlashscourgewhip

2. Biological appendageB2formalscientific

   A slender, lash-like appendage found in certain cells (e.g., sperm cells, bacteria, protozoa) used for movement or locomotion.

   Flagelo biológico

   • Sperm cells propel themselves using a flagellum.
   • Bacteria like E. coli have a single flagellum to swim through liquids.
   • The flagellum of a protozoan moves in a whip-like motion.