pilus
noun
pi·lus ˈpī-ləs 
plural pili ˈpī-ˌlī
: a hair or a structure (as on the surface of a bacterial cell) resembling a hair
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Maybe each of those growths, known as a pilus, was actually a wire that latched onto the rust, Dr. Lovley thought. 
New York Times, 1 July 2019
New York Times, 1 July 2019 Word History
Etymology
Latin
First Known Use
1760, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
pilus
noun
pi·lus ˈpī-ləs
plural pili -ˌlī
: a hair or a structure (as on the surface of a bacterial cell) resembling a hair