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