inflorescence

in·flo·res·cence | \ ˌin-flə-ˈre-sᵊn(t)s

How to pronounce inflorescence (audio)

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Definition of inflorescence

1a : 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

Examples of inflorescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Also, that center actually contains hundreds of smaller flowers that combine to create a cluster called an inflorescence. — Claire Harmeyer, Better Homes & Gardens, "5 Fascinating Facts About Daisies You Probably Didn't Know," 2 July 2020 This gives the whole flower head (inflorescence) a lighter and more airy feel. — Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "With the right placement and little care, hydrangeas can make your Kentucky garden pop," 8 May 2020 What really sets off my allergies this time of year—the start of blockbuster season—is the inflorescence of cinephilia. — Jason Kehe, Wired, "The Supercilious Side Effects of F/X," 21 Apr. 2020 Red-flowered ones with tall butterfly-attracting inflorescences can linger into winter and might be enjoyed a while longer if staked. — Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, "Move Christmas cactus before buds form," 23 Nov. 2019 Or, leave all the green to lightly yellowing fronds, which would be even healthier for your palms. A: Feel free to remove the flower stalk, known as an inflorescence, from your bromeliads at any time. — Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, "Trim viburnum hedges in next few weeks," 21 Sep. 2019 Many sagos are flowering, and your plant has produced a female inflorescence. — Tom Maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "How to treat blossom-end rot," 9 June 2018 The inflorescence reaches 12 to 18 inches long, bearing colorful flowers with white lavender petals and orange sepals. — Karen Dardick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Bromeliads create garden drama," 17 May 2018 Native to Sumatran rainforests, the endangered and unpredictable species produces the world's largest unbranched inflorescence. — Houston Chronicle, "There is a new, stinky corpse flower at the Houston Museum of Natural Science," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inflorescence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

7 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Inflorescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflorescence. Accessed 8 Jul. 2020.

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