gherkin

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

gherkin
    n 1: any of various small cucumbers pickled whole
    2: small prickly cucumber

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Gherkin \Gher"kin\ (g[~e]r"k[i^]n), n. [D. agurkje, a dim. akin
   to G. gurke, Dan. agurke; cf. Pol. og['o]rek, Bohem. okurka,
   LGr. 'aggoy`rion watermelon, Ar. al-khiy[=a]r, Per.
   khiy[=a]r.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. (Bot.) A kind of small, prickly cucumber, much used for
      pickles.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Zool.) See {Sea gherkin}.
      [1913 Webster]