spikelet
|spike-let|
/ˈspaɪklɪt/
small spike in grasses/sedges
Etymology
'spikelet' originates from English, formed from 'spike' and the diminutive suffix '-let' (from Old French '-et'), where '-let' meant 'small, little'.
'spikelet' changed from the Middle English components 'spike' + the diminutive '-let' (from Old French '-et') and eventually became the modern English word 'spikelet' used in botanical terminology.
Initially, it meant 'a small spike or ear', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the basic unit of the grass/sedge inflorescence'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in botany, the basic flowering unit of grasses and sedges, consisting of one or more florets attached to a short axis (rachilla) and typically subtended by two glumes.
Each spikelet contains several florets and two glumes.
Last updated: 2025/08/11 20:48