: any of a phylum or subphylum (Ciliophora) of ciliated protozoans (such as paramecia)

Examples of ciliate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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And the idea is of interest beyond the Caribbean as well, now that another Diadema species in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean is also being pummeled by a ciliate. Lisa S. Gardiner, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2024 As the researchers watched over the next days, the ciliates depleted the chlorovirus population, and imaging confirmed that the viruses were ending up inside the ciliates. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 21 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ciliate was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near ciliate

Cite this Entry

“Ciliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ciliate. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

ciliate

noun
: any of a group of protozoans that have cilia

Medical Definition

: any of a phylum or subphylum (Ciliophora) of ciliated protozoans (such as paramecia)

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