Corymb is a botanical term that describes a flat-topped or gently rounded flower cluster, with the outermost flowers blooming first. The word is spelled with a "y" and "mb" to reflect its Greek origin, where "korymbos" means a bunch of fruit or flowers. The pronunciation of corymb is /ˈkɔːrɪmb/ or KOR-imb, with the stress on the first syllable. It is important to spell words correctly, especially in specialized fields like botany, to maintain clarity and precision in communication.
A corymb is a botanical term used to describe an inflorescence, which is a group of flowers arranged on a common stem in a specific pattern. It is a type of flowering cluster characterized by the arrangement of the flowers on pedicels, or slender stalks, which are of varying lengths but all originate from a common point. The flowers are typically oriented at different heights, forming a flat or slightly rounded top.
Corymbs are commonly found in plants such as yarrow, elderberry, and hawthorn. The arrangement of flowers in a corymb allows for efficient pollination, as the flowers are spaced out and easily accessible to insects or other pollinators. This type of inflorescence also ensures that each flower receives sufficient sunlight and air circulation, promoting healthy growth and development.
The term "corymb" originated from the Greek word "korymbos," meaning "cluster of fruit." While commonly associated with flowers, it is sometimes used to describe similar arrangements of fruits, where multiple fruit stalks radiate from a central point. However, this usage is less frequent than its botanical use to describe inflorescences.
In summary, a corymb is a specific type of inflorescence characterized by flowers arranged on pedicels of varying lengths originating from a common point, resulting in a flat or slightly rounded top. It is a common and efficient arrangement found in numerous flowering plants.
A raceme in which the lower flower stalks are so much longer than the upper ones that they terminate on a level, forming a flat, or nearly flat, surface.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In bot., an inflorescence in which the lower stalks are longest, and all the flowers come nearly to the same level.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "corymb" comes from the Latin word "corymbus", which in turn was borrowed from the Greek word "kórymbos". In Greek, "kórymbos" referred to a cluster of fruit or flowers, typically in the shape of an inverted cone. The word is ultimately derived from the ancient Greek verb "korybḗō", meaning "to be full of frenzy or enthusiasm". The idea behind this etymology is that a corymb, with its dense and clustered arrangement of flowers or fruits, symbolizes an exuberant or enthusiastic growth pattern.