Pronunciation: [pˈanɪkə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "panicle" is spelled with a "p" at the beginning, followed by an "a," pronounced as /pænɪkəl/. The "i" sound in the middle is a schwa, which is an unstressed vowel sound, and is represented in IPA by the symbol /ə/. The "c" in "panicle" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound, followed by an "l." A panicle is an inflorescence, or a group of flowers on a single stem, and is commonly found in grasses and grains.
A panicle is a compound inflorescence in plants, characterized by a branching structure consisting of a main stem or axis, from which multiple smaller branches or axes develop. It is a type of indeterminate inflorescence, meaning that it continues to grow and produce flowers over time. The primary feature of a panicle is that it bears numerous individual flowers arranged in a loose, open, or pyramidal shape. These flowers are often attached to the branches of the panicle through short stalks known as pedicels, forming a dense and elongated cluster of blooms.
Panicles can vary in size and shape depending on the plant species. They are commonly found in grasses, such as oats, barley, and millet, as well as in many flowering trees, shrubs, and herbs. Panicles are typically characterized by their distinctively airy or feathery appearance, which gives them an ornamental quality.
The term "panicle" is derived from the Latin word "panicula," meaning "small bundle," referencing the clustered arrangement of flowers. Due to its visually appealing structure, panicles are often used in horticulture and floral arrangements. Moreover, botanists and plant enthusiasts study panicles to understand the reproductive patterns and classification of various plant species.
In botany, an irregularly compound raceme.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In plants, a tuft or bunch of flowers or seeds, dense and close as in Indian corn, spreading or scattered as in oats, and in other forms; the down on reeds.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "panicle" originated from the Latin term "panicula", which means "little pan". This is a diminutive form of the Latin word "panis", meaning "bread". It is believed that the term was inspired by the branched and spreading shape of a panicle, which resembled the shape of a loaf of bread.
