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SPICULA

 - 4 dictionary results

spic⋅u⋅la

  [spik-yuh-luh]
Use SPICULA in a Sentence
–noun, plural -lae  [-lee] .
a spicule.
Origin:
1740–50; < NL spīcula, ML, equiv. to L spīc(a) ear of grain + -ula -ule

spic⋅u⋅lum

  [spik-yuh-luhm]
–noun, plural -la  [-luh] . Zoology.
a small, needlelike body, part, process, or the like.
Origin:
1740–50; < L spīculum; see spicule
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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spic·ule   (spĭk'yōōl)   
n.   pl. spic·ules also spic·u·lae (-yə-lē)
A small needlelike structure or part, such as one of the silicate or calcium carbonate processes supporting the soft tissue of certain invertebrates, especially sponges.

[Latin spīculum; see spiculum.]
spic'u·lar (-yə-lər), spic'u·late (-yə-lĭt, -lāt') adj.
spic·u·lum   (spĭk'yə-ləm)   
n.   pl. spic·u·la (-lə)
A spicule or similar needlelike structure, such as a spine of an echinoderm or a copulatory organ in a nematode.

[Latin spīculum, diminutive of spīca, point, ear of grain.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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