filament

noun

fil·​a·​ment ˈfi-lə-mənt How to pronounce filament (audio)
: a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object, process, or appendage (see appendage sense 2): such as
a
: a tenuous (see tenuous sense 2) conductor (as of carbon or metal) made incandescent by the passage of an electric current
specifically : a cathode (see cathode sense 2) in the form of a metal wire in an electron tube
b(1)
: a thin and fine elongated constituent part of a gill (see gill entry 2 sense 1)
(2)
: an elongated thin series of cells attached one to another or a very long thin cylindrical single cell (as of some algae, fungi, or bacteria)
c
: the anther-bearing stalk of a stamen see flower illustration
filamentary adjective
filamentous adjective

Examples of filament in a Sentence

algae covered with tiny filaments the cable was made up of fine filaments twisted together
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prominences are filaments of plasma and magnetic field extending from the sun, which right now — close to solar maximum — are a daily sight in H-alpha. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 Hot-glue each insect to a length of fishing line and use invisible tape to attach the opposite end of the filament to the inside of the cloche. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024 The shoe outsole is placed onto a robotic arm which rotates while the spray releases a single continuous string of thermoplastic filament. Tim Genske, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Enlarge / Artist's conception of a dark matter filament containing a galaxy with large jets. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for filament 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Medieval Latin filamentum, from Late Latin filare to spin — more at file

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of filament was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near filament

Cite this Entry

“Filament.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filament. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

filament

noun
fil·​a·​ment ˈfil-ə-mənt How to pronounce filament (audio)
: a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object, process, or part: as
a
: a wire (as in a light bulb) that is made to glow by the passage of an electric current
b
: a long chain of cells (as of some bacteria or algae)
c
: the anther-bearing stalk of a plant stamen
filamentous adjective

Medical Definition

filament

noun
fil·​a·​ment ˈfil-ə-mənt How to pronounce filament (audio)
: a single thread or a thin flexible threadlike object, process, or appendage
especially : an elongated thin series of cells attached one to another or a very long thin cylindrical single cell (as of some algae, fungi, or bacteria)
filamentous adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on filament

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