panicle

noun

pan·​i·​cle ˈpa-ni-kəl How to pronounce panicle (audio)
1
: a compound racemose inflorescence see inflorescence illustration
2
: a pyramidal loosely branched flower cluster
panicled adjective
paniculate adjective

Examples of panicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These shrubs are categorized into types (panicle, smooth, oakleaf, bigleaf, and mountain) that have different needs, so read the plant tag before buying. Arricca Elin Sansone, House Beautiful, 21 July 2023 The white panicles age to green over time, and the foliage turns a shiny burgundy in the fall. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2023 Smooth hydrangeas have thinner leaves and longer stems, while panicle hydrangea are cone-shaped. Brittany Anas, House Beautiful, 11 May 2023 In rice, too, the two proteins, LFY and UFO, stick together to enable them to bind new regions of the DNA, which results in the development of the part of the plant that holds its grain, called the panicles. Dhananjay Khadilkar, Ars Technica, 24 Feb. 2023 Look for panicle types, which are hardy in many different regions and tolerate full sun. Mary Elizabeth Andriotis, House Beautiful, 2 Mar. 2023 The panicle on her lap—it’s finished—has flattened. Diane Williams, Harper’s Magazine , 16 Feb. 2022 Some of the hardiest plants in this design, like the panicle hydrangea and creeping phlox, will thrive and expand in size given even moderate care. Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2023 Elsewhere in the garden, the panicle hydrangeas are putting on a show, along with pineapple lilies, abelia and clethra. Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2022 See More

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

Latin panicula, diminutive of panus

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of panicle was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near panicle

Cite this Entry

“Panicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panicle. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

panicle

noun
pan·​i·​cle ˈpan-i-kəl How to pronounce panicle (audio)
: a branched flower cluster (as of a lilac or some grasses) in which each branch from the main stem has one or more flowers

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