"Cornicular" is a rare word that refers to something related to horns, particularly those of a bull. Its spelling might seem a little tricky, but it can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced "kɔːn," like the plant "corn," while the second syllable is "ɪkjʊlə." Together, the word is pronounced "kɔːnɪkjʊlə." While not commonly used, the word "cornicular" can add a bit of specificity and detail to discussions of animals with horns.
Cornicular is an adjective that refers to something that is related to or shaped like a cornicle. A cornicle, in turn, is a small, narrow, and tube-like structure found on the dorsal side of aphids, which are small sap-sucking insects. These structures are predominantly found in certain species of aphids and serve as a means of defense against predators.
In particular, a cornicle has a waxy covering and contains a gland that secretes a sticky fluid referred to as honeydew. This honeydew serves as a deterrent against predators such as ladybugs and other insects by making it difficult for them to grip the aphids' bodies. The cornicle also plays a crucial role in the aphids' manner of communication, as it releases pheromones that attract other aphids to form colonies.
When something is described as cornicular, it means that it possesses characteristics resembling or related to cornicles or the structure of cornicles. For example, one could say that a particular insect has cornicular-like appendages, indicating that they have small narrow structures on their body similar to cornicles. Alternatively, it could refer to a substance that is sticky or honeydew-like in consistency, evoking the nature of the secretion from the cornicles.