CATKIN

catkin, ament

(noun) a cylindrical spikelike inflorescence

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

catkin (plural catkins)

(botany) A type of inflorescence, consisting of an axis with many unisexual apetalous flowers along its sides, as in the willow and poplar.

Synonyms

• ament

• amentum

Coordinate terms

• raceme

• spike

Anagrams

• antick, natick

Source: Wiktionary


Cat"kin, n. Etym: [Cat + -kin.] (Bot.)

Definition: An ament; a species of inflorescence, consisting of a slender axis with many unisexual apetalous flowers along its sides, as in the willow and poplar, and (as to the staminate flowers) in the chestnut, oak, hickory, etc.

– so called from its resemblance to a cat's tail. See Illust. of Ament.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Coffee Trivia

Contrary to popular belief, coffee beans are not technically beans. They are referred to as such because of their resemblance to legumes. A coffee bean is a seed of the Coffea plant and the source for coffee. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit, often referred to as a cherry. Just like ordinary cherries, the coffee fruit is also a so-called stone fruit.

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