ligula
/ˈlɪɡjələ/
noun
- A thin, strap-shaped structure, especially in plants (such as the membranous appendage on a grass leaf) or in animals (such as a tongue-like part).
- In some insects, the ligula is a small tongue-like mouthpart used for feeding.
- The ligula at the base of the grass leaf helps channel water toward the stem.
- Botanists examined the ligula to identify the species of grass.
Synonyms