Stylet

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language

·noun A small poniard; a stiletto.

II. Stylet ·noun A stiff wire, inserted in catheters or other tubular instruments to maintain their shape and prevent clogging.

III. Stylet ·noun An instrument for examining wounds and fistulas, and for passing setons, and the like; a probe, — called also specillum.

IV. Stylet ·noun Any small, more or less rigid, bristlelike organ; as, the caudal stylets of certain insects; the ventral stylets of certain Infusoria.