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Glite Dictionary
spikelet

spikelet

9.6
A small pointed part on a grass or grain stem that holds small flowers
  • noun
  • /ˈspaɪklɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : espiguilla
  • The delicate spikelets of the wheat plant sway gently in the breeze.
  • sessile spikelet
  • several spikelets

Examples

  • During spring, the plant produces numerous spikelets that attract various pollinators.

  • The spikelets in the case of Figure 1B are really not feeling well, tending towards a yellowish, dull green color as compared to Figure 1A.

    Academic text (2014)

  • This rakas, this spike spikelet, these lotacules.

  • The spikelets on the veronica seem too purple to be real.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • One felt the spikelets which she shook from her hat to melt upon the cloakroom floor.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • The grass was adorned with tiny spikelets that sparkled in the sunlight.

Synonyms

thorn
vsspikelet
53 1.0

A sharp point on a plant stem or leaf that can hurt you

is similar in form but does not emphasize causing injury
spine
vsspikelet
40 4.1

A sharp, stiff part on a plant or animal that can prick

is focused on small spike-like tips on plant parts rather than all stiff projections
prong
vsspikelet
19 4.3

A thin pointed part on things like a fork or antler

refers to a single small spike-like tip on a plant rather than a multi-pronged part
spur
vsspikelet
5 5.4

A sharp pointed part that sticks out from a plant or animal

is narrower, referring mainly to small spike-like tips on plant stems or leaves
prickle
vsspikelet
4 3.9

A small sharp point on a plant stem or leaf that can scratch

is the broader term for any small spike-like tip, not only these examples
sticker
vsspikelet
  • US
1 6.5

A small sharp point on a plant that can prick you

is a general small spike-like tip not limited to plant location
pricker
vsspikelet
  • Specialized
1 8.2

A small sharp point on a plant stem or leaf that can hurt if touched

is the wider spike-like tip concept beyond just shrubs or garden plants

Surface Forms

spikelet singular
spikelets plural

Morphology

spikelet = spike (transparent) = spike + let

The meaning is directly derived by adding the diminutive suffix '-let' to 'spike', indicating a small spike; this is straightforward for learners.

Etymology

Spikelet is made of spike and -let, where spike means a 'sharp point' and -let means 'small', the same little ending you see in leaflet or booklet. So a spikelet is a small spike or tiny sharp tip on a plant, which is exactly how the word is used today.