What is "ligula"

Ligula \Lig"u*la\ (l[i^]g"[-u]*l[.a]), n.; pl. L. Ligul[ae] (-l[=e]), E. Ligulas (-l[.a]z). [L., a little tongue. See Ligule.]

1. (Bot.) See Ligule.

2. (Zo["o]l.)

   1. The central process, or front edge, of the labium of insects. It sometimes serves as a tongue or proboscis, as in bees. [See Illust. under Labium, and Hymenoptera.]

   2. A tongue-shaped lobe of the parapodia of annelids. See Parapodium.

n. A strap or strap-shaped object, especially such a development in plants or insects.