Ciliary

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈsɪlɪɛri/

Definitions

• Relating to or resembling cilia, which are hair-like structures found on cells.
• In biology, referring to the movement or function of cilia, such as the ciliary action that moves mucus in the respiratory system.
• Relating to the eye's ciliary body, which controls the shape of the lens and produces aqueous humor.

Usage Examples

• The ciliary muscles help focus the lens of the eye for near and distant vision.
• Ciliary movement in the respiratory tract helps to expel foreign particles from the lungs.
• Ciliary action is vital for many unicellular organisms to move through water.

Etymology

From Latin "cilium" meaning eyelash, referring to the hair-like structures (cilia) found in the body.

Synonyms

• Eyebrow (in some contexts)
• Microscopic hair (in reference to cilia)

Antonyms

• Non-ciliated
• Hairless

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Ciliary is pronounced the same in most languages, but regional accents may affect the way the word is spoken. For example, in some accents of English, the first syllable may be stressed more, while in others, it is less emphasized.

Historical Usage

The term "ciliary" has been used in biological contexts since the 17th century, particularly in reference to cilia, the microscopic hair-like structures found in many organisms. It became particularly important in the 19th and 20th centuries with the development of microscopy and cell biology.

Cultural Nuances

The term "ciliary" is often used in medical and biological contexts, especially when discussing the movement of cilia or the ciliary body of the eye. The importance of ciliary function is crucial in areas such as medicine, where dysfunction of the ciliary muscles can result in eye diseases, or in the study of diseases like cystic fibrosis.

More Information

The ciliary body in the human eye is responsible for controlling the shape of the lens, allowing for focusing on objects at different distances. Ciliary muscles contract and relax to adjust the lens curvature. Dysfunction of the ciliary muscles can lead to vision problems such as presbyopia. In the context of microorganisms, ciliary movement is crucial for movement, feeding, and sensory processes in many unicellular organisms. Ciliary dysfunction is also a factor in diseases such as primary ciliary dyskinesia, which impairs the respiratory and reproductive systems.