bract

noun

1
: a leaf from the axil of which a flower or floral axis arises
2
: a leaf borne on a floral axis
especially : one subtending a flower or flower cluster
bracteal adjective
bracteate adjective
bracted adjective

Examples of bract in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bright color of the bracts will remain longer if temperatures do not exceed 71.6 degrees. Kurt Snibbe, Orange County Register, 29 Nov. 2024 Poinsettias now come with bracts of white, orange, yellow, pink, purple, blue, and various shades of red. Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024 Under this light/dark regime, the bracts begin to turn color. Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 2 Dec. 2024 Start by cutting the flowers with about 6 inches of stem, removing the leaves and a few outer bracts for smaller blooms if desired. Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bract 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin bractea, from Latin, thin metal plate

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bract was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near bract

Cite this Entry

“Bract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bract. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

bract

noun
: a small leaf or leaflike structure at the base of a flower or flower cluster
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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