spica

1 of 2

noun (1)

spi·​ca ˈspī-kə 

plural spicae ˈspī-ˌkē  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 

: 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

Medical Definition

spica

noun

spi·​ca ˈspī-kə 

plural spicae -ˌkē  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