spiculate


spic·ule

S0636900 (spĭk′yo͞ol) also spic·u·la (-yə-lə)n. pl. spic·ules also spic·u·lae (-yə-lē) 1. 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.2. Astronomy A spike-shaped formation emanating from the ionized gas of the solar photosphere.
[Latin spīculum; see spiculum.]
spic′u·lar (-yə-lər), spic′u·late (-yə-lĭt, -lāt′) adj.