3. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Any small calcareous or siliceous body found in the tissues of various invertebrate animals, especially in sponges and in most Alcyonaria.
Note: Spicules vary exceedingly in size and shape, and some of those found in siliceous sponges are very complex in structure and elegant in form. They are of great use in classification. Description of the Illustration: a Acerate; b Tricurvate, or Bowshaped; c d Hamate; e Broomshaped; f Scepterellate; g Spinispirulate; h Inequi-anchorate; i Sexradiate; j A Trichite Sheaf; k Six-rayed Capitate; l Rosette of Esperia; m Equi- anchorate.
SPICULIFORM
Spi*cu"li*form, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Having the shape of a spicule.
SPICULIGENOUS
Spic`u*lig"e*nous, a. Etym: [L. spiculum + -genous.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Producing or containing spicules.
SPICULISPONGIAE
Spic`u*li*spon"gi*æ, n. pl. Etym: [NL.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A division of sponges including those which have independent siliceous spicules.
SPICULUM
Spic"u*lum, n.; pl. Spicula. Etym: [L., a little point.] (Zoöl.)