spikelet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “spikelet” mean?
A small spike, especially the basic unit of the inflorescence in grasses, consisting of one or more florets enclosed by glumes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small spike, especially the basic unit of the inflorescence in grasses, consisting of one or more florets enclosed by glumes.
In botany, a secondary spike; a small or subordinate spike on a larger inflorescence. In general use, any small, spike-like structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is identical in both botanical traditions.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English, confined to botanical, agricultural, and ecological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “spikelet” in a Sentence
The spikelet contains [number] florets.Spikelets are arranged [adverb of manner] on the rachis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botany, plant science, agriculture, and ecology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in gardening discussions or nature documentaries.
Technical
The primary domain. Essential terminology for describing grass and cereal morphology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spikelet”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spikelet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spikelet”
- Using 'spikelet' to refer to the entire flowering head of a grass (which is a 'spike' or 'panicle').
- Confusing 'spikelet' with 'floret' (a floret is part of a spikelet).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency technical term used almost exclusively in botany and agriculture.
A spike is a type of unbranched inflorescence. A spikelet is a small secondary spike that is the fundamental unit making up the inflorescence in grasses (the grass 'spike' is actually composed of many spikelets).
No, 'spikelet' is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'to spike'.
Yes, the presence of spikelets arranged in various types of inflorescences (spikes, panicles, racemes) is a defining characteristic of the grass family (Poaceae).
A small spike, especially the basic unit of the inflorescence in grasses, consisting of one or more florets enclosed by glumes.
Spikelet is usually technical/scientific in register.
Spikelet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪklɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪklɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPIKE of wheat, but make it small like a LETtuce leaf (though not related to lettuce). A 'little spike'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A spikelet is a CONTAINER (for florets and grain). It is also a BUILDING BLOCK of the larger inflorescence.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'spikelet'?