Having spikes, as a plant

• Pointed
• Like barley flowers
• Like ears of grain

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1660s, "having spikes," from Latin spicatus , past participle of spicare "to furnish with spikes," from spica (see spike (n.2)).

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
adj. having or relating to spikes; "spicate inflorescence"

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Spicate \Spi"cate\, Spicated \Spi"ca*ted\, a. [L. spicatus, p. p. of spicare furnish with spikes, or ears, fr. spica a spike, or ear.] (Bot.) Having the form of a spike, or ear; arranged in a spike or spikes. --Lee.

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
a. (context botany English) Having the form of a spike, or ear; arranged in a spike or spikes.