Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

amphitrichous

Adjective

/æmˈfɪtrɪkəs/

Definition

An adjective used to describe organisms that have flagella or cilia located at both ends.

Examples

The bacterium was classified as amphitrichous due to its two flagella on opposite sides.
In biology, certain protozoans exhibit amphitrichous characteristics.

Meaning

The term amphitrichous is derived from the Greek words ‘amphi’ meaning ‘on both sides’ and ‘trichous’ meaning ‘hair’ or ‘flagellum’. It refers to the arrangement of hair-like structures or flagella in some microorganisms where they are present at both the anterior and posterior ends.