acicula
/əˈsɪkjələ/
noun
- A small, needle-like structure or part, especially in plants or animals.
- The cactus has fine acicula that protect it from herbivores.
- Under the microscope, the acicula of the sea urchin looked like tiny needles.
- Biologists studied the acicula on the insect's leg to understand its movement.