ˈnəbə̇n noun
( -s )
Etymology: nub (I)
1. : something (as a fruit) that is small of its kind, stunted, undeveloped, or imperfect
made cider of the nubbins
blackberry nubbins
found some potato nubbins about the size of small marbles — Ross Santee
especially : a small or imperfect ear of Indian corn
2. : something that remains after a large part has been removed or worn away : a small piece or chunk : stub , stump
drew spider webs with a nubbin of pink chalk — Jean Stafford
a nubbin of coal
3. : nub 3
further questions before you get to the nubbin and ask your victim how he or she actually intends to vote — Stewart Alsop
the nubbin of hard intelligence in their opponents' argument — John Chamberlain