Category:Inflorescence

In`flo*res"cence, n. Etym: [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.

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 flower buds. Inflorescence affords an excellent characteristic mark in distinguishing the species of plants. Milne. Centrifugal inflorescence, determinate inflorescence. -- Centripetal inflorescence, indeterminate inflorescence. See under Determinate, and Indeterminate.