cyme

[ sahym ]

noun

1. an inflorescence in which the primary axis bears a single central or terminal flower that blooms first.
2. a flat or convex inflorescence of this type.

cyme

/ saɪˈmɪfərəs; saɪm /

noun

1. an inflorescence in which the first flower is the terminal bud of the main stem and subsequent flowers develop as terminal buds of lateral stems

cyme

/ sīm /

1. A usually flat-topped or convex determinate inflorescence in which the central main stem and each side branch end in a flower. The flowers in the cluster begin blooming from the flower on the main stem downwards or outwards. Baby's breath, dogwood, and the tomato have cymes.

Derived Forms

• cymiferous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyme¹

1595–1605; < Latin cȳma cabbage sprout < Greek kŷma; cyma

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyme¹

C18: from Latin cӯma cabbage sprout, from Greek kuma anything swollen; see cyma

Example Sentences

Pair of ear-rings, from a grave at Cyme in Aeolis, with filigree work and pendant Erotes.

From Project Gutenberg

Cyme, in appearance much like a corymb, but it differs in the fact that the central flower blooms first.

From Project Gutenberg

Flowers moncious, rarely dicious, in a terminal open forking cyme; the fertile ones usually in the lower forks.

From Project Gutenberg

Diminutive of , a branch, from the repeatedly branched cyme of the original species.

From Project Gutenberg

Compound cyme of Hydrangea arborescens, with neutral enlarged flowers round the circumference.

From Project Gutenberg