Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Spicule
Spic′ule
,Noun.
[L.
spiculum
a little point, a dart.] 1.
A minute, slender granule, or point.
3.
(Zool.)
Any small calcareous or siliceous body found in the tissues of various invertebrate animals, especially in sponges and in most Alcyonaria.
☞ Spicules vary exceedingly in size and shape, and some of those found in siliceous sponges are very complex in structure and elegant in form. They are of great use in classification.
Description of the Illustration
: a
Acerate; b
Tricurvate, or
Bowshaped; c d
Hamate; e
Broomshaped; f
Scepterellate; g
Spinispirulate; h
Inequi-anchorate; i
Sexradiate; j
A Trichite Sheaf; k
Six-rayed Capitate; l
Rosette of Esperia
; m
Equi-anchorate. Definition 2024
spicule
spicule
English
Noun
spicule (plural spicules)
- A sharp, needle-like piece.
- (biology) Any of many needle-like crystalline structures that provide skeletal support in marine invertebrates like sponges.
- A needle-like mating structures found only in male nematodes.
- (astronomy) A jet of matter ejected from the photosphere of the sun.
- A small spike of flowers.
Translations
any of many needle-like crystalline structures that provide skeletal support in marine invertebrates like sponges