Acicular
Acicular
Acicular (pronounced: /əˈsɪkjʊlər/) is a term used in mineralogy and botany to describe a needle-like structure. The term is derived from the Latin word "acus", meaning "needle".
Etymology
The term "acicular" comes from the Latin "acus" which means "needle", and the suffix "-ar" which is used to form adjectives. Thus, "acicular" literally means "needle-like".
In Mineralogy
In mineralogy, acicular refers to minerals that form in slender, needle-like crystals. Examples of acicular minerals include rutile, millerite, and natrolite. These minerals are often found in cavities in rocks or as secondary minerals.
In Botany
In botany, acicular describes leaves or other parts of plants that are long, thin, and pointed, like needles. This is a common characteristic in many coniferous plants, such as pine and spruce trees.
Related Terms
- Aciculate: A similar term to acicular, used to describe something as being covered in needle-like structures.
- Aciculum: A needle-like structure found in certain animals, such as polychaete worms.
- Acicula: A small, needle-like part or structure, such as a spine or bristle.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acicular
- Wikipedia's article - Acicular
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