spica

1 of 2

noun (1)

spi·​ca ˈspī-kə How to pronounce spica (audio)
plural spicae ˈspī-ˌkē How to pronounce spica (audio) or spicas
: a bandage that is applied in successive V-shaped crossings and is used to immobilize a limb especially at a joint

Spica

2 of 2

noun (2)

Spi·​ca ˈspī-kə How to pronounce Spica (audio)
: a star of the first magnitude in the constellation Virgo

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin, ear of grain — more at spine

Noun (2)

Latin, literally, ear of grain

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1731, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spica was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near spica

spic

spica

Spica

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Cite this Entry

“Spica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spica. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

spica

noun
spi·​ca ˈspī-kə How to pronounce spica (audio)
plural spicae -ˌkē How to pronounce spica (audio) or spicas
: a bandage that is applied in successive V-shaped crossings and is used to immobilize a limb especially at a joint
also : such a bandage impregnated with plaster of paris
a spica cast applied at the hip

More from Merriam-Webster on spica

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spica

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