Spike"let (?), n. (Bot.) A small or secondary spike; especially, one of
the ultimate parts of the in florescence of grasses. See Illust. of
Quaking grass.
Spike"nard (?), n.[For spiked nard; cf. G. spieknarde, NL. spica nardi.
See Spike an ear, and Nard.] 1. (Bot.) 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.