vorticella

noun

vor·​ti·​cel·​la ˌvȯr-tə-ˈse-lə 

plural vorticellae ˌvȯr-tə-ˈse-(ˌ)lē  or vorticellas

: any of a genus (Vorticella) of stalked bell-shaped ciliates

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin vortic-, vortex

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vorticella

noun

vor·​ti·​cel·​la ˌvȯrt-ə-ˈsel-ə 

plural vorticellae -ˈsel-ē  or vorticellas

: any of a genus of ciliates that look like a bell on the end of a stalk