spiculate

[ spik-yuh-leyt, -lit ]

adjective

1. having the form of a spicule.
2. covered with or having spicules; consisting of spicules.

Other Words From

• inter·spicu·lar adjective
• multi·spicu·lar adjective
• multi·spicu·late adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spiculate¹

1825–35; < Latin spīculātus, equivalent to spīcul ( um ) ( spicule ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

In modern glass sponges, many species also secrete anchoring spiculate “roots” resembling bundles of fiber-optic cable, or fasces of fiber glass.

From Scientific American