Inflorescence

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Inflorescence \In`flo*res"cence\, n. [L. inflorescens, p. pr. of
     inflorescere to begin to blossom; pref. in- in + florescere
     to begin to blossom: cf. F. inflorescence. See {Florescent}.]
     1. A flowering; the putting forth and unfolding of blossoms.
        [1913 Webster]
  


     2. (Bot.)
        (a) The mode of flowering, or the general arrangement and
            disposition of the flowers with reference to the axis,
            and to each other.
        (b) An axis on which all the buds are flower buds.
            [1913 Webster]
  
                  Inflorescence affords an excellent
                  characteristic mark in distinguishing the
                  species of plants.                --Milne.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     {Centrifugal inflorescence}, determinate inflorescence.
  
     {Centripetal inflorescence}, indeterminate inflorescence. See
        under {Determinate}, and {Indeterminate}.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  inflorescence
       n 1: the time and process of budding and unfolding of blossoms
            [syn: {blossoming}, {flowering}, {florescence}, {anthesis},
             {efflorescence}]
       2: the flowering part of a plant or arrangement of flowers on a
          stalk