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

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

Curiosity was high for the pungent plant, which grew a reputation for being the world’s largest flower (although that’s not entirely true — the corpse flower is actually the largest unbranched inflorescence). —Cari Spencer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2023

Among a very limited group of African species that can grow outside in mid-latitude gardens, the pokers offer striking, architectural foliage with erect spikes of flowers in a range of colors from yellow to orange, red and even some with multiple colors on the same inflorescence. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2021

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

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