Bot. [f. SPIKE sb.1]
1. A small group of florets in grasses, forming part of the spike.
1793. Martyn, Lang. Bot., Spicula, a Spicule or Spikelet; a partial spike, or a subdivision of it: as in some Grasses.
1835. Lindley, Introd. Bot. (ed. 2), 125. A locusta or spikelet, as the partial inflorescence of Grasses is denominated.
1850. Tyas, Favourite Field Fl., Ser. II. 37. The common Quaking Grass, with its broadly egg-shaped spikelets, is indeed one of the most beautiful of the grasses.
1869. Oliver, Elem. Bot., I. v. 52. The flowers are arranged in short, broad spikelets, which spikelets are disposed alternately in two rows along the top of the stem.
2. A subdivision of an ear of grain.
1860. Piesse, Lab. Chem. Wonders, 145. An individuality as definite as an ear of corn or a spikelet of barley.
1868. Darwin, Anim. & Pl., I. ix. 318. The ear is thus much narrower, and the spikelets stand out more horizontally, than in our present forms.
1893. Jrnl. R. Agric. Soc., Dec., 696. The spikelets of the ear are borne in groups of three.
