cilium crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue 'cilium crossword clue'. Get quick help to complete your puzzle and deepen your understanding of this fascinating biological term.
Solutions for "cilium crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HAIR: A fine, thread-like strand, often used in crosswords to refer to hair-like structures, including cilia.
LASH: Short, stiff hairs, like an eyelash, which are a common example of cilia.
5 Letters
CILIA: The plural form of cilium, referring to multiple hair-like organelles found on eukaryotic cells.
7 Letters
BRISTLE: A short, stiff hair or filament, similar in texture or function to some ciliary structures.
More About "cilium crossword clue"
The term "cilium" in biology refers to a microscopic, hair-like organelle that extends from the surface of eukaryotic cells. These tiny structures play vital roles in various biological processes, from locomotion in single-celled organisms to sweeping fluids and particles across tissue surfaces in multicellular organisms, such as clearing mucus from the respiratory tract.
When "cilium" appears as a crossword clue, it often tests a solver's knowledge of biology or their ability to find synonyms for small, hair-like appendages. Common answers like "HAIR" or "LASH" directly relate to the visual appearance of cilia, while "CILIA" (the plural) is a straightforward biological term. Understanding these distinctions can help you tackle similar clues in future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Plurals: Always check if the clue implies a plural answer. "Cilium" could lead to "CILIA" if the puzzle requires a plural, or a different word if it's looking for a singular synonym.
- Think Function: For biological terms, consider what the object does. Cilia are involved in movement or sensing, which might lead to action-oriented synonyms or related terms.
- Analyze Word Length: If you have some letters filled in, use the remaining blanks to narrow down possibilities. For "cilium," knowing it's a 4-letter word might make you think of "HAIR" or "LASH" before more complex terms.
- Broaden Your Vocabulary: Crosswords frequently pull from a wide range of disciplines, including science, literature, and history. Regularly expanding your general knowledge will make you a more formidable solver.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cilium in biology?
In biology, a cilium (plural: cilia) is a slender, microscopic, hair-like organelle that protrudes from the surface of various eukaryotic cells. They play a crucial role in functions such as cellular locomotion, fluid movement, and sensory reception, acting like tiny oars or antennae.
Why do biological terms like 'cilium' appear in crosswords?
Biological and scientific terms frequently appear in crosswords to challenge solvers' general knowledge across various domains. 'Cilium' is a common term in biology that can be clued directly or through synonyms like 'hair' or 'lash' due to its appearance and function, making it a versatile clue.
Are cilia and flagella the same?
While both cilia and flagella are hair-like appendages on cells used for movement, they are not the same. Flagella are typically longer, less numerous (often one or two per cell), and move with a wave-like motion (like a propeller). Cilia are shorter, more numerous, and move with a coordinated whip-like or oar-like motion, often covering the cell surface.