inflorescence

noun

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

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

Illustration of inflorescence

• 1 raceme
• 2 corymb
• 3 umbel
• 4 compound umbel
• 5 capitulum
• 6 spike
• 7 compound spike
• 8 panicle
• 9 cyme

Examples of inflorescence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What appears to be a single bloom is actually an enormous inflorescence, a cluster of many tiny flowers at the base of a tall central column called the spadix and surrounded by a deep purple, velvety spathe. —ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

In white fonio, the inflorescence is composed of 3–5 digitate racemes with spikelets in pairs or threes. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Mar. 2026

This is a majestic plant, growing as tall as ten feet with its burgeoning inflorescences extending an additional three feet up into the air. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 1 Nov. 2025

Like modern growers, Sumerian orchardists, archaeologist Marcin Paszke contends, gathered pollen from the emerging inflorescences of male date palms in the spring and then climbed the female trees to fertilize the flowers by hand. —Jacob Jones, JSTOR Daily, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

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

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for inflorescence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence
• opalescence

Kids Definition

inflorescence

noun

in·​flo·​res·​cence ˌin-flə-ˈres-ᵊn(t)s 

1

a

: the pattern of development and arrangement of flowers on a stalk

b

: a flowering stalk with all its parts

also : a flower cluster or sometimes a flower that grows alone

2

: the forming and unfolding of blossoms