Catkin: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฑ
catkin
[ หkรฆt.kษชn ]
botanical term
A catkin is a flowering spike of trees and shrubs that bears unisexual flowers. These structures are typically slender and elongated, resembling a soft, cylindrical cluster. Catkins are predominantly seen in species like willows, birches, and oaks, usually appearing in the spring. They play a vital role in the reproduction of flowering plants, facilitating pollination without the need for showy flowers. The wind often assists in the dispersal of pollen from catkins.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The willow tree's catkins are a sign of spring.
- We saw fluffy catkins hanging from the branches.
- The birch catkins release pollen in early April.
Translations
Translations of the word "catkin" in other languages:
๐ต๐น catkins
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคเคเคฟเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Kรคtzchen
๐ฎ๐ฉ kuncup
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะพัะธะบะธ
๐ต๐ฑ kotki
๐ฏ๐ต ็ซใใใใ
๐ซ๐ท chaton
๐ช๐ธ aullido
๐น๐ท kedi tรผyรผ
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ณ ์์ด ํธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงููุทุท
๐จ๐ฟ koฤiฤka
๐ธ๐ฐ maฤiatko
๐จ๐ณ ็ซ่ณ
๐ธ๐ฎ maฤje uho
๐ฎ๐ธ kรถttur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผัััา
๐ฌ๐ช แแแขแแก
๐ฆ๐ฟ piลik
๐ฒ๐ฝ gatito
Etymology
The term 'catkin' originates from the Middle Dutch word 'kattenken,' which means 'kitten' or 'little cat.' This name was likely derived from the resemblance of the soft, elongated flower clusters to the fur of a kitten. The usage of 'catkin' dates back to the early 16th century, reflecting the rich botanical vocabulary developed during the Renaissance. Initially, it referred broadly to young plants or shoots, before becoming specifically associated with these unique flowering structures. Over time, the word has maintained its relevance in botanical terminology, particularly in the study of flowering plants and their reproductive processes.