a. [f. SPICUL-A, SPICUL-E, or SPICUL-UM + -AR. Cf. F. spiculaire.]

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  1.  Of the nature of a spicule or spicula; slender and sharp-pointed; also, characterized by the presence of spicules: a. In Min., Zool., etc.

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1794.  R. J. Sulivan, View Nat., I. 308. Spicular poisons, antimony and sublimate, may be rendered inoffensive by sheathing their points in oil or in wax.

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1796.  Kirwan, Elem. Min. (ed. 2), II. 197. [Tin stone] found massive,… or in blunt, or spicular fragments.

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1832.  Brewster, Nat. Magic, xiii. 340. In several cavities in minerals I have found … black spicular crystals.

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1861.  J. R. Greene, Man. Anim. Kingd., Cœlent., 160. We find, in the genus Zoanthus, a spicular corallum. Ibid., 161. The spicular stage permanently exemplified in Alcyonium.

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1872.  H. A. Nicholson, Palæont., 72. A peculiar tubular or spicular skeleton.

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  b.  In general use.

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1822–7.  Good, Study Med. (1829), I. 614. Calcareous or other spicular materials, inhaled while working on stones or metals. Ibid., IV. 556. Some spicular node within the cranium.

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1844.  H. Stephens, Bk. Farm, I. 298. Should the flakes be spicular and fall very thick and fast, then a heavy fall … may be expected.

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  2.  Characteristic of a spicule or spicules.

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1813.  Edinb. Rev., XXI. 55. The castellated and spicular appearance of the ruins of the sandstone.

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