raceme

noun

ra·​ceme rā-ˈsēm 

rə-

: a simple inflorescence (as in the lily of the valley) in which the flowers are borne on short stalks of about equal length at equal distances along an elongated axis and open in succession toward the apex see inflorescence illustration

Examples of raceme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The thin racemes that produced the hosta’s pink flowers need removing, the high-bush blueberries have too many canes, the honeysuckle has grown leggy, and then there’s the rhododendron. —Robert Klose, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Feb. 2024

Rather than chain-like, the six-inch-long racemes are bunched, looking like purple corncobs cut in half. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2023

Fragrant, lavender-blue racemes up to 12 inches long cascade from its stems. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2023

The flowers are born in an upright raceme or cluster of blooms opening from the bottom and moving upwards. —Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2022

Forming large bushes with dangling racemes of white, pink or red flowers, the nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for hummers in the late winter/early spring. —Earl Nickel, SFChronicle.com, 18 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Latin racemus bunch of grapes; probably akin to Greek rhag-, rhax grape

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above