Hubernõel
Hubernõel is a term of Estonian origin that translates to "oak needle" or "acorn." It is most commonly used in a botanical context to refer to the fruit of the oak tree, which is known scientifically as an acorn. These are typically borne in a cupule, a scaly or fringed husk. The acorn is a vital food source for many animals in oak-forested ecosystems, including squirrels, jays, and deer. Historically, acorns have also been utilized by humans, particularly in times of scarcity, after being leached to remove tannins and then ground into flour.
Beyond its literal meaning, "Hubernõel" can also be used metaphorically in Estonian to describe something small,