spicule
spic·ule
noun \ˈspi-(ˌ)kyül\Definition of SPICULE
1
: a slender pointed usually hard body; especially : one of the minute calcareous or siliceous bodies that support the tissue of various invertebrates (as sponges)
2
: a spikelike short-lived prominence appearing close to the chromosphere of the solar atmosphere
— spic·u·lar \ˈspi-kyə-lər\ adjective
— spic·u·la·tion \ˌspi-kyə-ˈlā-shən\ noun
See Origin of SPICULE
New Latin spicula & Latin spiculum; New Latin spicula, alteration of Latin spiculum head of a spear or arrow, diminutive of spicum, spica ear of grain
First Known Use: 1785
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