Palæont. [f. L. spīnifer (see next) + -ITE.] (See quot.)
1872. H. A. Nicholson, Palæont., 69. In some sections of flint are found minute ‘spherical bodies, covered with radiating and multicuspid spines,’ which have been termed Spiniferites or Xanthidia, and are probably the ‘gemmules’ of sponges.
