pilus

plural irregular

A noun referring to a hairlike structure, especially on the surface of a cell or microorganism, or any of the cylindrical filaments growing from the epidermis of a mammal.

• 🇪🇸Sustantivo que designa una estructura filamentosa o vellosa, especialmente la presente en la superficie de una célula o microorganismo, o cualquiera de las formaciones cilíndricas filiformes que crecen en la epidermis de los mamíferos.

1. Hair on mammals C1 formal scientific

   A fine, thread-like structure that grows from the skin of mammals, forming fur or hair.

   • The pilus of a mammal provides insulation and protection.
   • Each pilus grows from a follicle in the skin.
   • The density of pili varies greatly among different species.

   🇪🇸Pelo de mamíferos

   Sinónimos: hair

2. Bacterial appendage C1 formal scientific

   A hair-like appendage found on the surface of many bacteria, used for attachment or genetic exchange.

   • The bacterium uses its pilus to attach to host cells.
   • Conjugation is facilitated by a specialized pilus.
   • Scientists study the pilus to understand bacterial infections.

   🇪🇸Pilus bacteriano

   Sinónimos: fimbria

• pili plural form
• pili's possessive plural form
• pilus's possessive singular form