spicule

1 of 2

noun (1)

spic·​ule ˈspi-(ˌ)kyül 

1

: a slender pointed usually hard body

especially : one of the minute calcareous or siliceous bodies that support the tissue of various invertebrates (such as sponges)

2

: a spikelike short-lived prominence appearing close to the chromosphere of the solar atmosphere

spicular

ˈspi-kyə-lər 

adjective

spiculation

ˌspi-kyə-ˈlā-shən 

noun

spiculation

2 of 2

noun (2)

spic·​u·​la·​tion

plural -s

1

: the formation of spicules

2

a

: the form and arrangement of spicules

b

: the spicular component of a sponge

Examples of spicule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Yet another spot-on prediction: Chung Park and Lee named micro-needle skincare as a space to watch in 2025, and spicules were indeed a smash hit. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025

The spicules themselves begin dissolving right away and are fully broken down into harmless, water-soluble components within 24 hours. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The corona’s fluffy appearance is caused by short plasma jets called spicules. —Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2025

Along the solar horizon, towering spires of gas known as spicules stretch up to about 6,214 miles (10,000 kilometers) from the Sun’s chromosphere. —George Dvorsky / Gizmodo, Quartz, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

spicule + -ation

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

spicule

noun

spic·​ule ˈspik-yü(ə)l 

: a small hard needlelike structure

especially : one of the tiny calcium- or silica-containing bodies that support the tissues of various invertebrates and especially sponges

Medical Definition

spicule

noun

spic·​ule ˈspik-(ˌ)yü(ə)l 

: a minute slender pointed usually hard body (as of bone)