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filament
The definition of a filament is a slender fiber or thread.
(noun)The slim part of the stamen that supports the anther is an example of a filament.
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See filament in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- a very slender thread or fiber
- a threadlike part; specif.,
- the fine metal wire in a light bulb which becomes incandescent when heated by an electric current
- the cathode of a thermionic tube, usually in the form of a wire, which may be electrically heated
- Bot. the stalk of a stamen bearing the anther
Origin: Fr < ML filamentum < LL filare, to spin < L filum: see file
Related Forms:
- filamentary adjective
- filamentous adjective
See filament in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- A fine or thinly spun thread, fiber, or wire.
- Botany a. The stalk that bears the anther in a stamen.b. A chainlike series of cells, as in many algae.
- a. A fine wire heated electrically to incandescence in an electric lamp.b. Electronics A high-resistance wire or ribbon forming the cathode in some thermionic tubes.
Origin:
Origin: New Latin fīlāmentum
Origin: , from Late Latin fīlāre, to spin
Origin: , from Latin fīlum, thread; see gwhī- in Indo-European roots
.Related Forms:
- filˌa·menˈtous (-mĕnˈtəs), filˌa·menˈta·ry (-mĕnˈtə-rē, -mĕnˈtrē) adjective
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