| spike | An unbranched, indeterminate inflorescence in which the flowers are without stalks. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| spike and wave complex | A generalised, synchronous pattern seen on the electroencephalogram, consisting of a sharply contoured fast wave followed by a slow wave; particularly found in patients with generalised epilepsies. Spike and wave complexes are often characterised by their frequency, e.g., s low spike and wave, fast spike and wave. (05 Mar 2000) |
| spike potential | The main wave in the action potential of a nerve; it is followed by negative and positive afterpotentials. (05 Mar 2000) |
| spikebill | <zoology> The hooded merganser. The marbled godwit (Limosa fedoa). Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| spikefish | <zoology> See Sailfish Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| spikelet | A unit of the inflorescence in grasses, sedges and some other monocotyledons, consisting of one to many flowers and associated glumes. (09 Oct 1997) |
| spikenard | 1. <botany> An aromatic plant. In the United States it is the Aralia racemosa, often called spignet, and used as a medicine. The spikenard of the ancients is the Nardostachys Jatamansi, a native of the Himalayan region. From its blackish roots a perfume for the hair is still prepared in India. 2. A fragrant essential oil, as that from the Nardostachys Jatamansi. Origin: For spiked nard; cf. G. Spieknarde, NL. Spica nardi. See Spike an ear, and Nard. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| spiketail | <zoology> The pintail duck. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |