pellicle
/ˈpɛlɪkəl/
noun
- A thin skin or film, especially on a liquid surface or on a living organism.
- A pellicle formed on the surface of the milk as it cooled.
- Some bacteria produce a protective pellicle around their cells.
- The pond was covered with a green pellicle of algae.
- A thin membrane or cuticle on a plant or animal, such as the skin of a fruit or the outer layer of a protozoan.
- The pellicle of the grape gives it a slightly waxy feel.
- The insect's pellicle helps prevent water loss.
- Under the microscope, the pellicle of the paramecium is clearly visible.