basal body

noun

, Cell Biology.

a cylindrical organelle, within the cytoplasm of flagellated and ciliated cells, that contains microtubules and forms the base of a flagellum or cilium: identical in internal structure to a centriole.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of basal body¹

First recorded in 1900–05

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Example Sentences

Natural Cycles is a popular fertility-tracking app that relies on an algorithm that calculates the days of the month a woman is likely to be fertile based on basal body temperature readings and menstrual cycle data.

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April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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basal anaesthesia basal cell

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