Stylet
Pronunciation : Sty"let
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F., dim. of style; cf. It. stiletto. See Stiletto.]
Definition : Defn: A small poniard; a stiletto.
2. (Surg.) (a) An instrument for examining wounds and fistulas, and for passing setons, and the like; a probe, -- called also specillum. (b) A stiff wire, inserted in catheters or other tubular instruments to maintain their shape and prevent clogging.
3. (Zo?l.)
Defn: Any small, more or less rigid, bristlelike organ; as, the caudal stylets of certain insects; the ventral stylets of certain Infusoria.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913