inflorescence

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

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]