nubbin

A nubbin is a small, often insignificant, protrusion or appendage. The term is informal and can be applied to a variety of objects or situations where something is sticking out or attached in a minor way. It generally implies something that is not a primary feature and may be somewhat vestigial or an accidental addition.

In a general context, a nubbin could refer to a small, undeveloped part of something, like a tiny bump on a piece of wood or a small, unformed digit. It can also describe a small, dangling piece of material, such as a loose thread or a small bit of food stuck to an utensil. The word's usage is flexible, often conveying a sense of minor imperfection or a non-essential element.

The origin of the word "nubbin" is somewhat obscure, but it is thought to be related to older English words for a knot or a lump. Its informal nature makes it common in casual conversation and less likely to appear in formal technical writing. When something is described as a nubbin, it typically suggests it is small, possibly awkward, and not of significant importance to the overall structure or function of the item it is attached to.