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Glite Dictionary
filiform

filiform

9.9
A very thin shape like a thread
  • adjective
  • /ˈfɪlɪˌfɔrm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : filiforme
  • The filiform strands of the spider's web glistened in the sunlight.

Examples

  • The probe was so filiform it could pass through tiny blood vessels.

  • Some plants have filiform leaves that are very delicate.

  • Certain bacteria have filiform appendages that help them move.

  • The coral's filiform branches sway gently with the water current.

  • The probe was so filiform it could pass through tiny blood vessels.

  • Certain bacteria have filiform appendages that help them move.

  • The coral's filiform branches sway gently with the water current.

Synonyms

thready
vsfiliform
8 7.9

Being thin and like a small string

describes thinness in diameter rather than emphasis on texture or feel
filamentous
vsfiliform
1 8.2

Thin and long like a thread or hair

highlights thinness in diameter rather than general long strand shape
threadlike
vsfiliform
1 4.2

Very thin and long like a single hair

emphasises narrow thickness rather than broader shape or texture
filamentary
vsfiliform
1 7.9

Thin and like a thread

focuses on diameter thinness rather than structural pattern
filamentlike
vsfiliform
7.5

Thin and long like a thread

stresses thin diameter specifically rather than general strand appearance
filariform
vsfiliform
  • Specialized
9.9

Shaped like a thin thread in parts of living things

is the general term used outside biological contexts

Antonyms

thick
88 1.0

Having a solid wide body or wide arms and legs

bulky
35 2.3

Large and taking up a lot of space, like a big coat or suitcase

How Thin

hairlike
4.3
filiform
  • Specialized
9.9
slender
57 1.4
thin
420 1.0
narrow
290 1.0

Surface Forms

filiform positive

Morphology

filiform = filament (transparent) = fili + iform

The adjective is built as 'fili-' (thread) + the productive adjectival suffix '-iform' meaning 'having the form of', so the meaning 'thread-shaped' follows directly.

Etymology

The word filiform comes from the Latin filum meaning 'thread' and the part -form meaning 'shape'. Like the word filament, it describes something 'thread-shaped', so filiform means very thin and like a thread.