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

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