anthesis

noun

an·the·sis an-ˈthē-səs

: the action or period of opening of a flower

Examples of anthesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web During anthesis, these attractive purplish-red flowers emit a strong foul odour similar to that of carrion. —

Discover Magazine, 23 Mar. 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anthesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek ánthēsis "blooming," from anthē-, variant stem of antheîn "to blossom, bloom" (verbal derivative of ánthos "flower") + -sis -sis — more at antho-

First Known Use

circa 1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of anthesis was circa 1823

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