Illustration of inflorescence
- 1 raceme
- 2 corymb
- 3 umbel
- 4 compound umbel
- 5 capitulum
- 6 spike
- 7 compound spike
- 8 panicle
- 9 cyme
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The stalk, which can reach 20 feet tall, is topped by a giant, candelabra-like inflorescence with numerous flower clusters bearing countless small, bright yellow blooms that produce large quantities of sweet nectar at night. 
Janet Marinelli, Wired, 19 Feb. 2022 Phelps was thoroughly scientific about education — her botany text explains inflorescence, the classification of trillium, and the theory of metamorphoses of the organs of plants — but nature also inspired her. Washington Post, 27 Dec. 2021 Gradually, the inflorescence shatters and the plant produces new foliage. Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 28 Aug. 2021 Male sagos produce a yellowish, upright, often several feet tall inflorescence that deteriorates and drops off the plant in a matter of months. Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 28 Aug. 2021 Roadside weeds like wild mustard and Queen Anne’s lace, tendrils of palm inflorescence and carnivorous cobra lilies have all found a place in her work. New York Times, 18 Nov. 2020 Also, that center actually contains hundreds of smaller flowers that combine to create a cluster called an inflorescence. Claire Harmeyer, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2020 This gives the whole flower head (inflorescence) a lighter and more airy feel. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 8 May 2020 What really sets off my allergies this time of year—the start of blockbuster season—is the inflorescence of cinephilia. Jason Kehe, Wired, 21 Apr. 2020 See More
Janet Marinelli, Wired, 19 Feb. 2022 Phelps was thoroughly scientific about education — her botany text explains inflorescence, the classification of trillium, and the theory of metamorphoses of the organs of plants — but nature also inspired her. Washington Post, 27 Dec. 2021 Gradually, the inflorescence shatters and the plant produces new foliage. Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 28 Aug. 2021 Male sagos produce a yellowish, upright, often several feet tall inflorescence that deteriorates and drops off the plant in a matter of months. Tom Maccubbin, orlandosentinel.com, 28 Aug. 2021 Roadside weeds like wild mustard and Queen Anne’s lace, tendrils of palm inflorescence and carnivorous cobra lilies have all found a place in her work. New York Times, 18 Nov. 2020 Also, that center actually contains hundreds of smaller flowers that combine to create a cluster called an inflorescence. Claire Harmeyer, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2020 This gives the whole flower head (inflorescence) a lighter and more airy feel. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 8 May 2020 What really sets off my allergies this time of year—the start of blockbuster season—is the inflorescence of cinephilia. Jason Kehe, Wired, 21 Apr. 2020 See More 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-ˈre-sᵊns
: the arrangement of flowers on a stalk