pellicle

pellicle Definition

pel·li·cle (pel′i kəl)

noun

a thin skin or film, as on a photographic emulsion or on a liquid
Zool. a thin nonliving membrane secreted by animal cells, as the envelope covering many protozoans

Etymology: L pellicula, dim. of pellis, skin: see fell

pellicle Related Forms

pel·lic′u·lar (pə lik′yo̵̅o̅ lər) adjective or pel·lic′u·late-lit, -lāt′

pellicle Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

flexible: With their moderately soft, flexible pellicles, swimming Spirostomum often bend around bits of algae and other obstacles they encounter.

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