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 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

A few rows over is sea blush, with pink inflorescences that produce two types of seeds — some shaped like teardrops, others like tiny cups.

From Seattle Times

Phelps was thoroughly scientific about education — her botany text explains inflorescence, the classification of trillium, and the theory of metamorphoses of the organs of plants — but nature also inspired her.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• blossom
• herb
• perennial
• vine