Main Entry:

spic·ule

Pronunciation:

\ˈspi-(ˌ)kyül\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

1785

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