flagellae

English

Etymology

Mistakenly formed, either as a Latin-style plural of flagella by taking the latter to be a singular noun while actually it is a plural (namely the plural of flagellum) or by mistaking -ae (a feminine plural) as a possible plural of nouns in -um (neuter).

Noun

flagellae

1. plural of flagellum

Usage notes

The use of this form may be considered incorrect, correct plural forms being either flagellums or flagella.

See also

• bacteriae