ligule n 1: (botany) any appendage to a plant that is shaped like a strap
Ligule \Lig"ule\ (l[i^]g"[-u]l), n. [L. ligula, lingula, little tongue, dim of lingua tongue : cf. F. ligule.] 1. (Bot.) (a) The thin and scarious projection from the upper end of the sheath of a leaf of grass. (b) A strap-shaped corolla of flowers of Composit[ae]. [1913 Webster] 2. (Anat.) A band of white matter in the wall of fourth ventricle of the brain. [1913 Webster]