filamentous
/,filə'mentəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Thin in diameter; resembling a thread: Describes something that is very thin and long, like a thread or a fiber. It often refers to the physical structure of biological organisms or materials.
Usage
- The adjective filamentous is used to describe objects, structures, or organisms that have a long, thin, thread-like shape. It is common in scientific contexts, particularly in biology (e.g., describing bacteria, algae, or fungal structures) and materials science.
- It typically precedes a noun (e.g., ) or follows a linking verb like "be" or "appear" (e.g., ).
Examples
- Scientific Context:
- Under the microscope, the bacteria appeared as filamentous chains.
- Filamentous fungi are common in soil and decaying organic matter.
- General/Material Context:
- The material had a strange, filamentous texture, like fine hair.
- Some clouds can take on a filamentous, wispy form.
Advanced Usage
- "Filamentous growth": A specific term in microbiology referring to the growth pattern of certain bacteria or fungi that form long, branching threads.
- The filamentous growth of the mold was visible on the old bread.
- "Filamentous structure": Used in engineering or biology to describe components built from or resembling fine threads.
- The scaffold was designed with a filamentous structure to maximize surface area.
Variants and Related Words
- Filament (n): A single, very thin thread or fiber.
- The light bulb's filament glowed brightly.
- Filiform (adj): A synonym often used in biology to describe thread-like shapes.
- The plant had filiform leaves.
Synonyms
- Threadlike: Having the form of a thread.
- Fibrous: Consisting of or resembling fibers.
- Stringy: Long, thin, and resembling string.
Antonyms
- Massive: Large and heavy or solid.
- Bulky: Taking up much space, not slender.
- Nodular: Having a lumpy or knot-like form, not thread-like.
Adjective
- thin in diameter; resembling a thread