How Do You Spell CILIARY?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪli͡əɹɪ] (IPA)

The word "ciliary" is spelled with a "c" and not an "s" because it comes from the Latin word "cilia," meaning "eyelashes." The "c" in Latin is pronounced as "k," which is why the English spelling retains it. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "ciliary" is pronounced /ˈsɪliəri/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "i" in the second syllable is pronounced as "ee," while the final "ary" is pronounced as "uh-ree." Ciliary refers to the cilia, which are tiny hair-like structures that line various parts of the body, including the eyelids.

CILIARY Meaning and Definition

  1. Ciliary is an adjective that relates to or pertains to cilia, which are small, hair-like structures found in many living organisms. Cilia are typically found on the surface of cells and are involved in various functions, including movement, sensing, and the transportation of substances.

    In biology, the term "ciliary" describes anything that is specifically associated with or related to these hair-like appendages. For example, in the human body, ciliary muscles are the muscles that control the shape of the lens in the eye, allowing for accommodation and focusing on near or distant objects. Another example is the ciliary epithelium, which is a layer of cells that lines the inside of the eye and helps produce and maintain the fluid known as aqueous humor.

    Ciliary movement refers to the coordinated beating or rhythmic motion of cilia, which can be used to propel cells or move substances across a cell or tissue surface. This movement is facilitated by molecular motors within the cilia, which generate the necessary force. Ciliary action is crucial in various biological processes, such as the clearance of mucus and particles from the respiratory tract, the movement of eggs in the female reproductive tract, and the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

    Overall, the term "ciliary" describes the structures, functions, and processes related to cilia, highlighting their importance in various physiological activities.

  2. Relating to (1) any cilia or hair-like processes, (2) the eyelashes, (3) certain of the structures of the eyeball.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Belonging to the eyelids or cilia.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CILIARY

Etymology of CILIARY

The word "ciliary" comes from the Latin word "cilia", which means "eyelashes". The term "ciliary" refers to anything related to or resembling the cilia or eyelashes. It is often used in the context of the ciliary body, which is a part of the eye that contains smooth muscle fibers and is involved in the accommodation and focusing of the lens.

Similar spelling words for CILIARY

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: