acicula

[ uh-sik-yuh-luh ]

noun

, plural a·cic·u·lae [uh, -, sik, -y, uh, -lee].

1. a needlelike part; spine, bristle, or needlelike crystal.
2. a plural of aciculum.

acicula

/ əˈsɪkjʊlə /

noun

1. a needle-shaped part, such as a spine, prickle, or crystal

Derived Forms

• aˈcicular, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acicula¹

1875–80; < New Latin, Late Latin, alteration of acucula ornamental pin, equivalent to Latin acu-, stem of acus needle ( acute ) + -cula -cule ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of acicula¹

C19: New Latin, diminutive of acus needle

Example Sentences

The banks of Aripo are not the only localities, nor is the acicula the only mollusc, by which pearls are furnished.

From Project Gutenberg