spikelet

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

spikelet
    n 1: a small sharp-pointed tip resembling a spike on a stem or
         leaf [syn: {spine}, {thorn}, {prickle}, {pricker},
         {sticker}, {spikelet}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Spikelet \Spike"let\, n. (Bot.)
   A small or secondary spike; especially, one of the ultimate
   parts of the in florescence of grasses. See Illust. of
   {Quaking grass}.
   [1913 Webster]