vorticella

[vawr-tuh-sel-uh]

noun

plural

vorticellae, vorticellas 

1. any ciliated protozoan of the genus Vorticella, having a transparent, bell-shaped body with a retractile stalk.

vorticella

/ ˌvɔːtɪˈsɛlə /

noun

1. any protozoan of the genus Vorticella, consisting of a goblet-shaped ciliated cell attached to the substratum by a long contractile stalk

Word History and Origins

Origin of vorticella¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1780–90; vortex, -ella

Word History and Origins

Origin of vorticella¹

C18: from New Latin, literally: a little eddy, from _vortex

Example Sentences

If we fail to find the tree, we may secure other species of vorticella, all of which are very beautiful.

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Dr. H. Charlton Bastian has also stated that, in spite of much observation, he has never seen the process in vorticella.

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