cyme

noun

: an inflorescence in which each floral axis terminates in a single flower
especially : a determinate inflorescence of this type containing several flowers with the first-opening central flower terminating the main axis and subsequent flowers developing from lateral buds see inflorescence illustration

Word History

Etymology

New Latin cyma, from Latin, cabbage sprout, from Greek kyma swell, wave, cabbage sprout, from kyein to be pregnant; akin to Sanskrit śvayati it swells, grows

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyme was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near cyme

Cite this Entry

“Cyme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyme. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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