Ciliate is an adjective that describes something that has tiny, hair-like projections called cilia. These projections can be found on some cells, including certain types of protozoa (which are tiny, single-celled organisms) and even on human eyelashes.
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In scientific contexts, "ciliate" often refers to specific types of organisms within the kingdom Protista. These organisms are known for their movement and feeding mechanisms that use cilia. In biology, understanding ciliates can be important for studying ecosystems or human health.
There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "ciliate," as it is a more technical term. However, you might encounter phrases related to its scientific context, such as "ciliated epithelium," which refers to a layer of cells with cilia.
In summary, "ciliate" is a descriptive term that refers to tiny hair-like structures. It can describe both certain cells in living organisms and specific types of protozoans.