spicule
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spicule
[spik´ūl]a sharp, needle-like body or spike.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
spic·ule
(spik'yūl),1. A small needle-shaped body.
2. Accessory reproductive structure in male nematodes; useful in identification of species.
[L. spiculum, dim. of spica, or spicum, a point]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
spicule
(spĭk′yo͞ol) alsospicula
(-yə-lə)n. pl. spic·ules also spic·ulae (-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.
spic′u·lar (-yə-lər), spic′u·late (-yə-lĭt, -lāt′) adj.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
spic·ule
(spik'yūl)A small, needle-shaped body.
[L. spiculum, dim. of spica, or spicum, a point]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
spicule
- a small spiked structure in male nematode worms that assists in copulation.
- a slender rod of calcium carbonate found in sponges, that supports the soft wall.
Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005
spic·ule
(spik'yūl)A small, needle-shaped body.
[L. spiculum, dim. of spica, or spicum, a point]
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012