cyme

/saim/

Thân thiện

A gardener trims a cyme from the flowering plant.

Definition

Noun (Botany): A flower cluster, typically more or less flat-topped, in which the central or terminal flower is the first to open. This pattern of development, where the main axis ends in a flower and subsequent growth continues from lateral buds, is called determinate inflorescence.

Usage

The term "cyme" is used specifically in botany to describe a type of inflorescence (flower arrangement) based on its growth pattern. It contrasts with an "indeterminate" inflorescence like a raceme, where the lower or outer flowers open first.

Examples

• The plant was easily identified by its characteristic cyme of small white flowers.
• In a cyme, the blooming progresses from the center outward or from the top downward.
• The gardener noted the cyme structure, where the terminal bud had already bloomed.

Advanced Usage

• Compound Cyme: A more complex structure where each branch of the main cluster is itself a smaller cyme (a cyme of cymes). This creates a broader, often flat-topped, flower head.
  • The elderberry bush produces a large, showy compound cyme.

Variants and Related Words

• Cymose (adjective): Having the characteristics of a cyme; arranged in cymes.
  • The plant has a cymose inflorescence.
• Cymule (noun): A small or secondary cyme.

Synonyms

• Determinate inflorescence (This is the descriptive term for the growth pattern).
• (No direct, common one-word synonyms; it is a specific botanical term.)

Antonyms

• Raceme (an indeterminate inflorescence where flowers open from the bottom upward).
• Panicle (a branched indeterminate inflorescence).

Học thuật

Noun

1. more or less flat-topped cluster of flowers in which the central or terminal flower opens first