spikelet

noun

spike·​let ˈspī-klət How to pronounce spikelet (audio)
: a small or secondary spike
specifically : one of the small few-flowered bracted spikes that make up the compound inflorescence of a grass or sedge

Examples of spikelet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The key motif is the wheat spikelet, which has been a Bevza signature for some time. Alison S. Cohn, Harper's BAZAAR, 13 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spikelet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spikelet was in 1793

Dictionary Entries Near spikelet

Cite this Entry

“Spikelet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spikelet. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spikelet

noun
spike·​let ˈspī-klət How to pronounce spikelet (audio)
: one of the small few-flowered spikes that occur in grasses and sedges

More from Merriam-Webster on spikelet

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