Spicule

Pronunciation
/SPIK-yool/
Category
Anatomy
Singular
Spicule
Plural
Spicules

Definition

A small, pointed or needle-like process or spine found in various organisms.

Etymology

Latin *spiculum*, meaning 'a small point' or 'dart'.

Example

Spicules are often found in the feeding apparatus of some marine invertebrates, such as sponges.

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