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



RESET




Word of the Day

31 March 2025

IMPROVISED

(adjective) done or made using whatever is available; “crossed the river on improvised bridges”; “the survivors used jury-rigged fishing gear”; “the rock served as a makeshift hammer”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

International Coffee Day (September 29) is an occasion to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage, with events occurring in places across the world. A day to promote fair trade coffee and raise awareness for the coffee growers’ plight. Other countries celebrate this event on October 1.

coffee icon