spicule

noun

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

Examples of spicule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bolstering Lee’s prediction that K-beauty will continue to blur the lines between skincare and makeup, this is basically the lip-care counterpart to the acclaimed VT Cosmetics spicule serum. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Nov. 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

According to this new research, the same process could create the much smaller spicules. —Jason Daley, Smithsonian, 15 Nov. 2019

Word History

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

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for spicule

• picul

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)