pilus (redirected from Sex pilus)

pilus /pi·lus/ (pi´lus) pl. pi´li   [L.]

1. a hair.pi´lial

2. one of the minute filamentous appendages of certain bacteria, associated with antigenic properties of the cell surface.pi´liate

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pi´li cunicula´ti  a condition characterized by burrowing hairs.

pi´li incarna´ti  a condition characterized by ingrown hairs.

pi´li tor´ti  a condition characterized by twisted hairs.

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pi·lus (pls)

n. pl. pi·li (-l)

1. A hair.

2. A fine filamentous appendage, somewhat analogous to the flagellum, that occurs on some bacteria. Also called fimbria.

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pilus

pl. pili [L.]

1. a hair.

2. fine, filamentous appendage found on the surface of many gram-negative bacteria, shorter, thinner and straighter than flagella. There are two kinds of pili: (a) a larger form that is hollow and found on male bacterial cells only; it is used in bacterial cell conjugation, and (b) a smaller form which is of major significance in adherence of bacterial cells to epithelial surfaces such as the intestinal mucosa or mammary gland epithelium. Antipilus antibody can provide protection against disease. Called also fimbria.

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pilus cuniculatus

pl. pili cuniculati; burrowing hair.

pilus incarnatus

pl. pili incarnati; ingrown hair.

pilus lanei

wool fiber.

pilus tacti

tactile hairs about the lips, nostrils and eyes.

pilus tortus

pl. pili torti; twisted hair; see also pili torti.