Spicule: meaning, definitions and examples
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spicule
[ ˈspɪk.juːl ]
biological structure
A spicule is a small, spike-like structure that can be found in various organisms, including sponges, echinoderms, and certain types of algae. They often serve a structural purpose, providing support and helping to protect the organism from predators. In sponges, spicules are made of silica or calcium carbonate and can vary significantly in shape and size. Their presence can be an important factor in the classification and identification of certain species. Spicules may also play a role in the organism's interaction with its environment.
Synonyms
prickle, sharp structure, spike, thorn
Examples of usage
- The spicules of the sponge provide rigidity and support.
- Echinoderms like sea urchins have spicules that help form their skeletons.
- Spicules can be important in understanding the evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Translations
Translations of the word "spicule" in other languages:
🇵🇹 espícula
- espícula de esponja
- espícula de coral
🇮🇳 स्पिक्युल
- स्पिक्युल कण
- स्पिक्युल संरचना
🇩🇪 Stachel
- Stachelkörper
- Spikeln
🇮🇩 spikula
- spikula hewan
- spikula tanaman
🇺🇦 шпика
- шпикул
- шпиковий
🇵🇱 kolce
- kolczyk
- kolce koralowe
🇯🇵 スピキュール
- 棘
- 棘状体
🇫🇷 spicule
- épine
- spicule de corail
🇪🇸 espícula
- espícula coralina
- espícula de esponja
🇹🇷 dikençik
- iğ
- sivri uç
🇰🇷 스피큘
- 가시
- 가시 모양
🇸🇦 شوك
- شوك صغير
- شوك مرجاني
🇨🇿 hrot
- trn
- hrot korálu
🇸🇰 pichlia
- trn
- pichlia koralu
🇨🇳 刺
- 刺状物
- 刺体
🇸🇮 bodica
- bodice
- bodica koralov
🇮🇸 stígla
- stígvötn
- stígla kórall
🇰🇿 тіс
- тіс тәрізді
- тісшік
🇬🇪 კენჭი
- კენჭი წყლის
- კენჭი კორლ
🇦🇿 diken
- dikencik
- dikenli
🇲🇽 espícula
- espícula de coral
- espícula de esponja
Word origin
The word 'spicule' has its origins in the Latin word 'spiculum,' which means 'a little thorn' or 'a sharp point.' The term has been used in various scientific contexts since the 19th century, primarily in biology and geology. In biology, it specifically refers to small, needle-like structures found in sponges and other organisms, while in geology, it can describe small, sharp mineral formations. The use of 'spicule' has expanded over time and is linked to the study of both living organisms and natural formations, highlighting its relevance in understanding biodiversity and structural adaptations in nature.