The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Funicle \Fu"ni*cle\, n. [L. funiculus, dim. of funis cord, rope:
   cf. F. funicule funicle (in sense 2). Cf. Funambulo.]
   (Bot.)
   1. A small cord, ligature, or fiber.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Bot.) The little stalk that attaches a seed to the
      placenta.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

funicle
    n 1: the stalk of a plant ovule or seed [syn: funicle,
         funiculus]