Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

spica

noun spi·ca \ ˈspī-kə \

Definition of spica

plural spicae play \ˈspī-ˌkē\ or spicas
: a bandage that is applied in successive V-shaped crossings and is used to immobilize a limb especially at a joint

Origin and Etymology of spica

Latin, ear of grain — more at spine

Spica

noun Spi·ca \ ˈspī-kə \

Definition of Spica

: a star of the first magnitude in the constellation Virgo

Origin and Etymology of spica

Latin, literally, ear of grain

Medical Dictionary

spica

noun spi·ca \ ˈspī-kə \

medical Definition of spica

plural spicae play \-ˌkē\ or spicas
: a bandage that is applied in successive V-shaped crossings and is used to immobilize a limb especially at a joint; also : such a bandage impregnated with plaster of paris
  • a spica cast applied at the hip

Learn More about spica

  1. See words that rhyme with spica Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spica

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up spica? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

quail

play

to recoil in dread or terror

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

  2. promulgate 'to make known by open declaration'

  3. epochal 'momentous or unparalleled'

  4. clemency 'merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment'

  5. suborn 'to induce to commit perjury'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

spica

Test Your Vocabulary

Name More Food!

  • red-fruit
  • Name that Fruit!
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Dictionary Devil

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games