cil•i•um /síleeum/ n. (usu. in pl. cil•i•a /sílea/)


1. a short minute hairlike vibrating structure on the surface of certain cells, either causing currents in the surrounding fluid or providing propulsion.


After leaving them in the room to argue about the whereabouts of James's Foam Suppressor, I stood leaning over the railing looking down at the Jewish women's morning swim club. They moved in slow elliptical patterns, their black gowns like cilia moving them through the water.