scutellum

1. Zoology. A shieldlike bony plate or scale, as on the thorax of some insects.
2. Botany. Any of several shield-shaped structures, such as the cotyledon of a grass.

[New Latin scūtellum, from Latin, diminutive of scūtum, shield. See scutum.]

Area surrounding the embryo of the cereal grain; scutellum plus embryo is the germ; rich in vitamins.