umbel

[ uhm-buhl ]

noun

, Botany.

1. an inflorescence in which a number of flower stalks or pedicels, nearly equal in length, spread from a common center.

umbel

/ -ˌleɪt; ˈʌmbɪlɪt; ˈʌmbəl; ʌmˈbɛlə /

noun

1. an inflorescence, characteristic of umbelliferous plants, in which the flowers arise from the same point in the main stem and have stalks of the same length, to give a cluster with the youngest flowers at the centre

umbel

/ ŭm′bəl /

1. A flat or rounded indeterminate inflorescence in which the individual flower stalks (called pedicels) arise from about the same point on the stem at the tip of the peduncle. The geranium, milkweed, and onion have umbels. Umbels usually show centripetal inflorescence, with the lower or outer flowers blooming first.

Derived Forms

• umbellate, adjective
• ˈumbellately, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of umbel¹

1590–1600; < Latin umbella a sunshade, parasol, derivative of umbra shadow, shade; for formation castellum

Word History and Origins

Origin of umbel¹

C16: from Latin umbella a sunshade, from umbra shade

Example Sentences

Oxlip, oks′lip, n. a species of primrose, having its flowers in an umbel on a stalk like the cowslip.

From Project Gutenberg

The maritime variety differs from this in having fleshy leaves, and the umbel convex above when in fruit.

From Project Gutenberg

The flowers are sessile, in little rounded heads; the whole inflorescence forming an irregular umbel or a loose panicle.

From Project Gutenberg

The middle flowers of each secondary umbel are perfect and almost sessile, but the outer ones are stalked and staminate.

From Project Gutenberg

At the tip of each twig is formed a cluster of yellowish-green flowers, arranged in a short raceme or in an umbel.

From Project Gutenberg