filament
noun
fil·a·ment
ˈfi-lə-mənt 
: 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
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
The most powerful reconnection events can liberate enough energy to produce solar flares and exploding magnetic filaments that result in CMEs.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Bambu Lab Bambu Lab says it's developed a custom brushless servo motor for its extruder, which helps detect nozzle clogs and prevent filament grinding so your projects' surfaces are cleanly executed.
—New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
The Rauch Satin Sheen Christmas ornament line was born in the 1960s after a call from Bill Spiegel of Spiegel Catalog asking if Rauch’s machines could wind rayon filament onto a foam ball.
—Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2025
The designer deftly uses biodegradable and recyclable TPU filament to hand draw each garment.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for filament
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Cite this Entry
“Filament.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filament. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
Kids Definition
filament
noun
fil·a·ment
ˈfil-ə-mənt
: 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
Medical Definition
filament
noun
fil·a·ment
ˈfil-ə-mənt
: 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)
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