a. [f. as prec. + -(I)FORM, cf. F. filiforme.] Having the form of a thread; thread-like.
1737. Pultney, in Phil. Trans., I. 66. The style is filiform.
1811. Pinkerton, Petral., II. 310. Even the amorphous lava of the primeval period is very compact, sprinkled with filiform crystals of felspar, and some of siderite, with grains of chrysolite.
1887. Ruskin, Præterita, II. 152–3. This [inlet] was crossed, for people afoot who did not like going round to that main gate, by the delicatest of filiform suspension bridges; strong enough it looked to carry a couple of lovers over in safety, or a nursemaid and children, but nothing heavier.
Hence Filiformed ppl. a. in same sense.
1851. Darwin, Cirripedia, I. 9. I distinctly saw a long filiformed organ, bearing excessively fine hairs in lines.
