1. small spines or spine-like projections
Usage: biology; plural form

Examples

• The cactus surface was covered with tiny spinules that made it difficult to handle.
• Under the microscope, we could see the spinules on the plant’s stem.
• The sea urchin’s shell displayed numerous small spinules around its base.
• Botanists identified the species by examining the characteristic spinules on its leaves.
• The spinules provided protection against herbivores trying to eat the plant.
• Each spinule was less than a millimeter in length but sharp to the touch.