Nubbins

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small, stubby protrusion or a tiny offshoot of something like a plant or an object
2. a term used to refer to remnants or remains that are minimal in size or significance
3. a colloquial expression for something small or insignificant, often used affectionately or humorously about various objects or features

Etymology: "Nubbins" is the plural of "nubbin," a word for a small, stubby piece of something, such as a leftover end of a cob of corn or a little knob. The word is probably formed from "nub," a lump or knob, with the diminutive ending "-in," which turns the base into something small. The "nub" part traces back to the same idea of a rounded protrusion, and the added ending makes the sense smaller and more stubby still.