rhizoverbBeta
DictionarynubbinSmall undeveloped part
noun

nubbin

NUB-uhn/ˈnʌbən/

A small undeveloped part of something.

Only a small nubbin of corn grows on this stalk.

One short stunted ear of corn with only a small cluster of kernels, beside two tiny irregular corn stubs, literal small undeveloped nubbin; no full-size abundance scene.
Etymology
nubbEnglishlump, protuberance
+inEnglishsmall

A nubbin is literally a little nub or lump. First used for a stunted ear of corn, it broadened to mean a small piece, retaining the suggestion of something stubby or underdeveloped.

In context

Tailor It Yourself4:17
you can just throw away those old parts and on the male side it's a little easier you can just cut into the little nubbin and then the two pieces will come away
How to Replace Metal Spring Snaps on Jackets, Coats, Bags, etc.

More examples

  • The drought leaves the corn plants with nubbins instead of full ears.
  • The damaged stem produces a nubbin instead of a full leaf.
  • The puppy wags its little nubbin of a tail.

Forms

nubbin · nubbins

Similar words

rudiment
Emphasizes an early or incompletely developed form of something.
stub
Usually means a short end left after breakage or removal.