inflorescence

[ in-flaw-res-uhns, -floh-, -fluh- ]

noun

1. a flowering or blossoming.
2. Botany.
   1. the arrangement of flowers on the axis.
   2. the flowering part of a plant.
   3. a flower cluster.
   4. flowers collectively.

inflorescence

/ ˌɪnflɔːˈrɛsəns /

noun

1. the part of a plant that consists of the flower-bearing stalks
2. the arrangement of the flowers on the stalks
3. the process of flowering; blossoming

inflorescence

/ ĭn′flə-rĕs′əns /

1. A group of flowers growing from a common stem, often in a characteristic arrangement.
2. Also called flower cluster

Derived Forms

• ˌinfloˈrescent, adjective

Other Words From

• inflo·rescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflorescence¹

First recorded in 1750–60; from New Latin inflōrēscentia, from Late Latin inflōrēscent- (stem of inflōrēscēns present participle of inflōrēscere “to bloom ¹; ” in- ², flora, -escent, -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of inflorescence¹

C16: from New Latin inflōrēscentia, from Late Latin inflōrescere to blossom, from flōrescere to bloom

Example Sentences

The fruit commonly has the general shape of the female inflorescence, but as it matures it increases greatly in size.

From Project Gutenberg

A broad and flattish inflorescence, the central flowers of which bloom first.

From Project Gutenberg

The front side of a flower, remote from the axis of inflorescence.

From Project Gutenberg

A simple inflorescence of flowers on pedicels which radiate from the same point.

From Project Gutenberg

The back side of a flower, next to the axis of inflorescence.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blossom
• herb
• perennial
• vine