Stylet
Stylet , noun
[French, dim. of style; compare Italian stiletto. See Stiletto.]
A small poniard; a stiletto.
2.
(a) (Surgery) An instrument for examining wounds and fistulas, and for passing setons, and the like; a probe, -- called also specillum.
(b)
(Surgery) A stiff wire, inserted in catheters or other tubular instruments to maintain their shape and prevent clogging.
3.
(Zoology) Any small, more or less rigid, bristlelike organ; as, the caudal stylets of certain insects; the ventral stylets of certain Infusoria.