noun
flagellate; mastigophoran
A biological term for a single-celled organism that moves using one or more flagella. Used in scientific contexts.
鞭毛虫は鞭毛を使って水中を移動する。
Flagellates move through water using flagella.
Compound of 鞭毛 (flagellum) + 虫 (worm, insect, bug), used as a suffix for many small organisms. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.