raceme

[ rey-seem, ruh- ]

noun

, Botany.

1. a simple indeterminate inflorescence in which the flowers are borne on short pedicels lying along a common axis, as in the lily of the valley.
2. a compound inflorescence in which the short pedicels with single flowers of the simple raceme are replaced by racemes.

raceme

/ rəˈsiːm /

noun

1. an inflorescence in which the flowers are borne along the main stem, with the oldest flowers at the base. It can be simple, as in the foxglove, or compound See panicle

raceme

/ rə-sēm′ /

1. An indeterminate inflorescence in which each flower grows on its own stalk from a common stem. The lily of the valley and snapdragon have racemes.
2. See illustration at inflorescence

Other Words From

• ra·cemed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of raceme¹

First recorded in 1775–85, raceme is from the Latin word racēmus cluster of grapes, bunch of berries

Word History and Origins

Origin of raceme¹

C18: from Latin racēmus bunch of grapes

Example Sentences

Both species flower in the early spring, so keep an eye out for their hanging catkins and racemes as you appreciate these great native trees in the prime of their lives.

From Seattle Times

These gorgeous plants produce 6-foot-tall, towering racemes packed with brilliantly colored blossoms.

From Seattle Times

I know the difference between a raceme and a rhizome, I explicate photosynthesis, I can spell Scrofulariaciae.

From Literature

A Victorian field guide, for example, describes Agrimonia in rather uncompromising terms: "Herbs with stipulate, pinnate, serrate leaves and terminal bracteate spine-like racemes of small yellow flowers."

From The Guardian

Leaves deeply 3–5-parted, the divisions 2–3 times cleft; the lobes all narrowly linear; raceme strict; spur ascending, usually curved upward; pods erect.—Wisc. to Dak. and southward.

From Project Gutenberg