Pronunciation: [nˈiːdə͡llˌa͡ɪk] (IPA) 
The word "needlelike" is spelled with two syllables: "nee-dl-lik". The stress falls on the first syllable, indicated by the bold typeface. The "e" in "needle" is pronounced as a schwa sound, /ə/, and the "i" in "like" is pronounced as a long vowel sound, /aɪ/. The "e" at the end of "like" is silent, making it a monosyllabic word. The word is used to describe something that resembles a needle in shape or size.
Needlelike is an adjective that describes something as resembling or characteristic of a needle. It is derived from the noun needle, which refers to a thin, pointed object typically used in sewing or knitting. When applied to an object or structure, needlelike connotes a shape that is thin, elongated, and sharp, similar to the form of a needle. This term is often used in botany, zoology, and geology to describe certain characteristics or attributes of plants, animals, or minerals that share these needle-like features.
In the context of plants, needlelike typically refers to the thin, pointed leaves or branches of certain species. This is especially common in conifers such as pine, spruce, and fir trees. Their foliage is typically composed of needlelike leaves that are long, slender, and have a sharp tip. Needlelike leaves have evolved as an adaptation to dry or cold environments, helping plants to minimize water loss or withstand harsh conditions.
In zoology, needlelike may describe the shape or structure of certain animal body parts, such as teeth, spines, or antennae that are thin, pointed, and sharp. For example, some fish species have needlelike teeth that are specialized for impaling and capturing prey.
Geologically, needlelike can be used to describe minerals that form long, thin crystals, resembling the shape of a needle. This is often observed in minerals like quartz or tourmaline, which can adopt needlelike shapes under certain formation conditions.
The word "needlelike" is formed by combining the noun "needle" and the suffix "-like".
The noun "needle" comes from the Old English word "nǣdl", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *nēdla. This Proto-Germanic word is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *netlos, meaning "net" or "sewing needle".
The suffix "-like" is a common morpheme in English, derived from the Old English "lic". It is used to form adjectives and adverbs and means "similar to" or "resembling".
So, when "needle" is combined with "-like", the word "needlelike" is created, meaning resembling or similar to a needle in appearance or shape.
