corymb

noun

cor·​ymb ˈkȯr-ˌim(b) How to pronounce corymb (audio)
ˈkär-,
-əm(b)
plural corymbs ˈkȯr-ˌimz How to pronounce corymb (audio)
ˈkär-,
-əmz
: a flat-topped inflorescence
specifically : one in which the flower stalks arise at different levels on the main axis and reach about the same height and in which the outer flowers open first see inflorescence illustration
corymbose adjective

Illustration of corymb

Illustration of corymb

Examples of corymb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In spring, its tidy balls of blooms, known as corymbs, cover the shrub in white or pink. Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, 4 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'corymb.' 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

French corymbe, from Latin corymbus cluster of fruit or flowers, from Greek korymbos

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corymb was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near corymb

Cite this Entry

“Corymb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corymb. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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