spirula
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
Read the Latest from M-W
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of spirula
New Latin, from Late Latin, twisted cracknel, from Latin spira coil, twist + -ula — more at spire
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up spirula? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!