acicula
- noun
- /əˈsɪk.jə.lə/
- Specialized
:
acícula
- The plant's defense mechanism includes sharp acicula that deter grazing animals.
Examples
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The worm's stiff acicula support its segmented body as it moves through the soil.
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Microscopic examination revealed several crystal acicula in the mineral sample.
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The cactus has many acicula that protect it from animals.
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These tiny aciculae are found on the surface of the leaf.
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Microscopic examination revealed several crystal acicula in the mineral sample.
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The plant's defense mechanism includes sharp acicula that deter grazing animals.
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The worm's stiff acicula support its segmented body as it moves through the soil.
Synonyms
A stiff, sharp point on a plant that keeps animals from eating it
A sharp point on an animal or plant that protects it
A sharp point or sting on animals and plants used to protect them
How Pointed
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word acicula comes from the Latin root acus 'needle' plus the small ending -cula 'little', so it meant 'little needle'. Think of tiny needles in plants, animals, or crystals, and that is why acicula now means a needlelike spine or bristle.