peritrichous

[puh-ri-tri-kuhs]

adjective

1. (of bacteria) having a uniform distribution of flagella over the body surface.

2. (of certain protozoans) having cilia arranged spirally around the mouth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of peritrichous¹

1875–80; peri- + -trichous < Greek -trichos -haired; -tricha, -ous

Example Sentences

For instance, B. megatherium and B. subtilis pass in a few hours after commencement of growth from a motile stage with peritrichous cilia, into one of filamentous growth preceded by casting of the cilia.

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