inflorescence

American  

[in-flaw-res-uhns, -floh-, -fluh-] / ˌɪn flɔˈrɛs əns, -floʊ-, -flə- /

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.

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inflorescence British  

/ 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

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inflorescence Scientific  

/ ĭn′flə-rĕs′əns /

1. A group of flowers growing from a common stem, often in a characteristic arrangement.

2. Also called flower cluster

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Other Word Forms

• inflorescent adjective

Etymology

Origin of inflorescence

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

Example Sentences

What many people mistake for a single enormous flower is actually an inflorescence — a structure made up of hundreds of tiny flowers at the base.

From Los Angeles Times

A true titan with the largest inflorescence on Earth it radiates an intoxicating perfume that has been described as a blend of dead fish, rotting cabbage and garlic.

From Salon

The species of this genus have male inflorescences, clusters of flowers on branches, that are pendent and nectarless, which has made scientists assume they are pollinated by wind.

From Science Daily

Its big pink inflorescence can last half a year.

From Seattle Times

He said giddily that they were corpse flowers — not orchids, but unbranched inflorescences known for their putrid odor — that were monitored and measured in preparation for their big debut.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blossom
• herb
• perennial
• vine