panicle

noun

pan·​i·​cle ˈpa-ni-kəl 

1

: a compound racemose inflorescence see inflorescence illustration

2

: a pyramidal loosely branched flower cluster

panicled

ˈpa-ni-kəld 

adjective

paniculate

pa-ˈni-kyə-lət 

pə-

adjective

Examples of panicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hydrangeas that bloom on new wood, including panicle and smooth hydrangeas, produce flower buds on the young growth that emerges in spring. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2024

However, new wood hydrangeas, like panicle and smooth hydrangeas, produce flower buds on fresh growth and can be pruned at other times of the year. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2024

Woody semicircular pods, 5 to 10 inches, long hang from the panicles of female trees. —Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 29 Nov. 2024

This perennial shrub or small, bushy tree has showy panicles of deep red flowers 6 to 10 inches long on fine-toothed, glossy, dark green palmate leaves. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin panicula, diminutive of panus

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

panicle

noun

pan·​i·​cle ˈpan-i-kəl 

: a branched flower cluster (as of a lilac or some grasses) in which each branch from the main stem has one or more flowers