catkin

cat·kin

noun \ˈkat-kən\

Definition of CATKIN

: a spicate inflorescence (as of the willow, birch, or oak) bearing scaly bracts and unisexual usually apetalous flowers —called also ament

Origin of CATKIN

from its resemblance to a cat's tail

First Known Use: 1578

Other Seed Plant Terms

aubergine, box, bramble, briar, composite, perpetual, pulse, trefoil

catkin

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Elongated cluster of single-sex flowers bearing scaly bracts and usually lacking petals. Many trees bear catkins, including willows, birches, and oaks. Wind carries pollen from male to female catkins or from male catkins to female flowers that take a different form (e.g., in spikes).