microfilament

[ mahy-kruh-fil-uh-muhnt ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a minute, narrow tubelike cell structure composed of a protein similar to actin, occurring singly and in bundles, involved in cytoplasmic movement and changes in cell shape.

microfilament

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈfɪləmənt /

noun

1. thin filament, composed of the protein actin and associated proteins, that occurs abundantly in muscle and in the cytoplasm of other cells

Other Words From

• mi·cro·fil·a·men·tous [mahy-kroh-fil-, uh, -, men, -t, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microfilament¹

First recorded in 1960–65; micro- + filament