peduncle

Etymology

From Late Latin pedunculus, from pedis, genitive of pēs (“foot”).

noun

1. (botany) The axis of an inflorescence; the stalk supporting an inflorescence.
2. (botany) A short stalk at the base of a leaf or reproductive structure.
3. (anatomy) A bundle of neurons connecting different parts of the brain.
4. (anatomy) In arthropods, the base segments of an antenna or stalk-like structures such as the peduncles of some barnacles
5. (anatomy) In vertebrates, the base of any relatively massive anatomical member connected to the body by a narrower section. Cf. caudal peduncle of fishes.
6. (anatomy) A stem attaching a mass of tissue (such as a polyp) to the body.
7. (zoology) A collection of nerves in the appendage of an animal (such as the tip of a dolphin's tail).