noun
- Plural of acícula; small, needle-like or bristle-like structures found in plants, animals, or minerals.
Usage: technical; biology; botany
Examples
- The pine tree's aciculas are modified leaves that reduce water loss in dry climates.
- Under the microscope, the aciculas of the sea urchin appeared as tiny crystalline structures.
- Botanists examined the aciculas on the conifer to classify the species.
- The aciculas covering the cactus stem serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores.