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

These may have colorful foliage or attractive and long-lasting inflorescences. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025

Another inflorescence won’t occur for a while, adds Sprindis to the AP. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2025

The structures that look like mushrooms are instead inflorescences, or a cluster of flowers intricately arranged on a stem. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Sep. 2023

Flowers with four petals are borne on terminal inflorescences and lack bracts. —Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 28 Aug. 2023

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