spicule

Plural: spicules

Noun

• A minute, sharp, needle-like anatomical or mineral structure.
• small pointed structure serving as a skeletal element in various marine and freshwater invertebrates e.g. sponges and corals
• A sharp, needle-like piece.
• A tiny glass flake formed during the manufacture of glass vials
• Any of many needle-like crystalline structures that provide skeletal support in marine invertebrates like sponges.
• A needle-like mating structure found only in male nematodes.
• A jet of matter ejected from the photosphere of the sun.
• A small spike of flowers.

Examples

• The player felt a SPICULE of regret after realizing they could have formed a longer word.

Synonyms

spiculum