\Spic"ule\, n. [L. spiculum a little point, a dart.]
1. A minute, slender granule, or point.
2. (Bot.) Same as {Spicula}.
3. (Zo["o]l.) 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.