SPICULUM
spicule, spiculum
(noun) small pointed structure serving as a skeletal element in various marine and freshwater invertebrates e.g. sponges and corals
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
spiculum (plural spicula)
A thrusting javelin used by Romans that replaced the pilum in the late 3rd century.
A sharp, pointed crystal, especially of ice.
(zoology) A sharp, needle-like structure, especially those making up the skeleton of a sponge.
(astronomy) A small radial emission of gas seen in the chromosphere and corona of the sun.
Synonyms
• (sharp, pointed crystal): spicula
• (sharp, needle-like strucutre): spicule
• (small radial emission of gas): spicule
Source: Wiktionary
Spic"u*lum, n.; pl. Spicula. Etym: [L., a little point.] (Zoöl.)
Definition: Same as Spicule.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition