catkin

Etymology

From Middle Dutch katteken (“catkin”, literally “little cat”), equivalent to cat + -kin. So named due to the resemblance of lengthier kinds to a kitten's tail, or, perhaps more probably, the fine fur found on some catkins (compare the pictures). Cognate with German Kätzchen, modern Dutch katje.

noun

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

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