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spinule
spiny
spiny anteater
spiny cocklebur
spiny eel
spiny-headed worm
spiny lobster
spiny mouse
spiracle
spiraea
spiral
spiral binding
spiral galaxy
spiral of Archimedes
spiral staircase
spiran
spirant
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spiracle

spir·a·cle [ sprək'l, spírrək'l ] (plural spir·a·cles)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. geology vent in lava flow: a small vent in a lava flow that allows the escape of built-up gases

2. insects small aperture in insect: a small paired aperture along the side of the thorax or abdomen of an insect or spider through which air enters and leaves

3. fish small gill slit: a small gill slit or opening behind the eye area of some fishes such as skates and rays

4. marine biology blowhole: a blowhole of a whale, dolphin, or similar ocean mammal ( technical )

[Early 17th century. Via French< Latin spiraculum< spirare "breathe"]

spi·rac·u·lar [ spə rákyələr, spī rákyələr ] adjective
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