ossicle

ossicle definitions

• one of numerous small calcareous structures forming the skeleton of certain echinoderms, as the starfishes; 

• one of the hard articuli or joints of the stem or branches of a crinoid or encrinite; 

• A small bone (or bony structure), especially one of the three of the middle ear. 

• one of the several small hard chitinous parts or processes of the gastric skeleton of crustaceans, as in the stomach of a lobster or crawfish. 

• Bone-like joint or plate, especially 

• The skeleton of echinoderms is made of ossicles, linked to each other via muscles and connective tissue.