Main Entry: in·flo·res·cence

Pronunciation: \ˌin-flə-ˈre-s^ən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin inflorescentia, from Late Latin inflorescent-, inflorescens, present participle of inflorescere to begin to bloom, from Latin in- + florescere to begin to bloom — more at florescence

Date: 1760

1 a : the mode of development and arrangement of flowers on an axis b : a floral axis with its appendages; also : a flower cluster
2 : the budding and unfolding of blossoms : flowering

[inflorescence illustration]