Outgrowth from the base of a grass blade

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 A strap-shaped structure. 2 (context botany English) A portion of a leaf found at the base of the petiole, when present. 3 (context botany English) In many grasses (Poaceae) and some sedges (Cyperaceae), the membranous appendage or ring of hairs projecting ...

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Ligule \Lig"ule\ (l[i^]g"[-u]l), n. [L. ligula, lingula, little tongue, dim of lingua tongue : cf. F. ligule.] (Bot.) The thin and scarious projection from the upper end of the sheath of a leaf of grass. A strap-shaped corolla of flowers of Composit[ae]. ...

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. (botany) any appendage to a plant that is shaped like a strap

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
A ligule (from "strap", variant of lingula , from lingua "tongue") — is a thin outgrowth at the junction of leaf and leafstalk of many grasses (Poaceae) and sedges . A ligule is also a strap-shaped extension of the corolla , such as that of a ray floret ...