Meaning of the word spicule in English

What does spicule mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

spicule

US /ˈspɪk.juːl/
UK /ˈspɪk.juːl/

Noun

a small, needle-like, calcareous or siliceous body found in sponges, radiolarians, and some other invertebrates

Example:
The sponge's skeleton is composed of numerous tiny spicules.
Scientists examine the shape and composition of spicules to classify different species of sponges.