Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪm] (IPA) 
The word "cyme" is an uncommon term used in botany to describe a flat-topped inflorescence of flowers. The correct spelling of this word is pronounced as /saɪm/. It is important to note that the "c" in "cyme" is pronounced as an "s" sound due to its Greek origins. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to clarify the pronunciation of words that may not be commonly used or have inconsistencies in spelling.
A cyme is a type of inflorescence, or flowering cluster, typically found in plants. It is characterized by a central stem or axis that branches repeatedly, with each branch ending in a flower. The main stem of a cyme is typically elongated and may be topped by a single flower or a cluster of flowers. The branches of a cyme are generally arranged in a flat or rounded fashion, giving the cluster a somewhat flat-topped or rounded shape.
The term "cyme" is derived from the Greek word "kuma," meaning a wave, which describes the wave-like pattern of branching in the cluster. This distinctive branching pattern distinguishes cymes from other types of inflorescences, such as racemes or panicles.
Cymes can be found in various plant families, including the Asteraceae (daisy family), Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle family), and Boraginaceae (borage family). They are commonly seen in garden flowers, such as yarrow and phlox, as well as in some trees, including elder and hydrangea.
The branched structure of cymes allows for continuous blooming, as the flowers on the lower branches open first while those on the higher branches develop later. This arrangement ensures that the overall inflorescence remains attractive and in bloom for an extended period of time. Additionally, the flat or rounded shape of cymes often creates an aesthetically appealing cluster of flowers, making them a popular choice for ornamental plants in landscaping and flower arrangements.
In botany, a form of branching in which the axis of the parent stem terminates in a flower, the lateral shoots growing up above it.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• In arch., a moulding whose contour resembles that of a wave, being hollow in its upper part and swelling below; an ogee.
• In bot., a mode of inflorescence resembling a flattened panicle, as that of the elder.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cyme" comes from the Greek term "kýma", which means "a wave" or "a billow". In botanical terms, it refers to the arrangement of flowers on a plant, particularly in the form of a flat-topped or convex cluster. The term was first used in English in the early 18th century and has been derived from its Greek roots to describe this specific type of inflorescence.
