spir·u·la
| \ ˈspir(y)ələ \
Definition of spirula
1
capitalized
: a genus (coextensive with a family Spirulidae of the order Decapoda) of small cephalopods related to the extinct belemnites, having a many-chambered shell coiled freely in a flat spiral that is comparable to the phragmocone of the belemnite shell and almost enveloped in the soft parts, and occurring in most tropic seas usually at great depths from which the shells float to the surface and are cast on beaches, although complete specimens of the animal are rare
2
plural -s
: a cephalopod of the genus Spirula
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
The Exceptions Quiz III
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share spirula