microfilament

American  

[mahy-kruh-fil-uh-muhnt] / ˌmaɪ krəˈfɪl ə mənt /

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.

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microfilament British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• microfilamentous adjective

Etymology

Origin of microfilament

First recorded in 1960–65; micro- + filament

Example Sentences

In tuna longlining, the ship uses a line made of thick microfilament, sometimes stretching as long as 40 miles, with baited hooks attached at intervals.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2025

“DuPont had developed a nylon microfilament for hairbrushes, toothbrushes and brooms,” Mr. D’Addario said.

From New York Times • Dec. 12, 2014