noun
filament
FIH-luh-muhnt
Filament (noun) means a very thin thread or wire-like strand. Example: “A spider spins its web from silk filaments.”
noun
1
A very thin thread or wire-like strand.
"A spider spins its web from silk filaments."
"The old bulb had a thin metal filament that glowed when heated."
2
The thin coil inside an incandescent light bulb that glows white-hot when electricity passes through it.
"When the filament finally burned out, the bulb went dark."
3
In botany, the thin stalk of a stamen that holds up the anther in a flower.
"Pollen forms at the tip of the filament, on the anther."
4
A continuous spool of material, such as the plastic thread fed into a 3D printer.
"He loaded a new roll of PLA filament into the 3D printer."
How to use filament
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thin, thread-like strand — whether it is glowing inside a bulb, part of a flower, or feeding a 3D printer.
Common pairings
light bulb filament
3D printer filament
a fine filament
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like filament.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- filaments
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A spider spins its web from silk _____.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin filamentum, built on Latin filum meaning "thread."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for filament
lament
ornament
ligament
armament
sacrament
testament
firmament
tournament
parliament
temperament
predicament
disarmament
See all rhymes for filament →
Frequently asked questions
What does “filament” mean?
The word “filament” means a very thin thread or wire-like strand. In plain terms, a thin, thread-like strand — whether it is glowing inside a bulb, part of a flower, or feeding a 3D printer.
How do you pronounce “filament”?
“Filament” is pronounced FIH-luh-muhnt (/ˈfɪləmənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “filament” in a sentence?
Here is “filament” used in a sentence: “A spider spins its web from silk filaments.”
What part of speech is “filament”?
“Filament” is a noun.
Where does the word “filament” come from?
The word “filament” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin filamentum, built on Latin filum meaning "thread.".
How many meanings does “filament” have?
“Filament” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a very thin thread or wire-like strand.
