peduncle

n. [ Formed fr. (assumed) L. pedunculus, dim. of pes, pedis, a foot: cf. F. pédoncule. ] 1. (Bot.) The stem or stalk that supports the flower or fruit of a plant, or a cluster of flowers or fruits. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The ultimate divisions or branches of a peduncle are called pedicels. In the case of a solitary flower, the stalk would be called a peduncle if the flower is large, and a pedicel if it is small or delicate. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) A sort of stem by which certain shells and barnacles are attached to other objects. See Illust. of Barnacle. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Anat.) A band of nervous or fibrous matter connecting different parts of the brain; as, the peduncles of the cerebellum; the peduncles of the pineal gland. [ 1913 Webster ]