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Glite Dictionary
Vorticella

Vorticella

9.9
A very small single-celled creature with a cup-shaped body and a stalk it can pull in
  • noun
  • /vɔːrˈtɪsəˌlə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Vorticela
  • A colony of Vorticella was observed interacting with other protozoa in the laboratory.

Examples

  • Vorticella can often be found attached to submerged plants in freshwater ponds.

  • Scientists studied the contractile stalk mechanism of Vorticella under a microscope.

  • The Vorticella is fascinating to observe under a microscope.

  • Many Vorticellas can be found in freshwater environments.

  • The scientist observed a Vorticella under the microscope, noting its unique goblet shape.

  • In freshwater ecosystems, the Vorticella's retractile stalk helps it anchor to surfaces.

  • Studying Vorticella is essential for understanding the diversity of ciliated protozoans.

Synonyms

ciliate
vsVorticella
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A single-celled organism with tiny hairs used to move and feed

is a specific genus with a goblet shape and retractile stalk
ciliated protozoan
vsVorticella
  • Specialized
7.9

A single cell living thing that uses tiny hairs to move and eat

is a narrower genus with goblet-shaped body and retractile stalk
infusorian
vsVorticella
  • Archaic
9.9

A very small water creature seen only with a microscope that moves with tiny hairs

is a narrow genus with goblet-shaped body and retractile stalk

Surface Forms

Vorticella singular
Vorticellas plural

Etymology

Vorticella comes from the Latin vortex meaning 'whirl' or 'whirlpool' and the small ending -ella meaning 'little'. These tiny, cup-shaped creatures have a stalk that can pull in and often look like they twist or spin, so the name helps you remember their small 'whirl'-like shape and movement.