Catkin - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A catkin is a slim, cylindrical flower cluster found on trees like willows and birches. It lacks petals and typically has either male or female flowers, often hanging down in clusters.
Definition:
A dense, cylindrical cluster of small flowers, typically found on willow or birch trees.
Synonyms:
ament, spike, inflorescence
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
leaf, branch
Common Collocations:
willow catkin, birch catkin, dangling catkin
Derivatives:
catkined, catkin-like
Usage Tips:
Use "catkin" to describe the fluffy flower clusters on certain trees in spring.
Common Phrases:
golden catkins, spring catkins, pussy willow catkins
Etymology:
Derived from Dutch "katteken," meaning "kitten," due to resemblance to a kitten's tail.
Examples:
- 1. The willow tree's catkins swayed in the breeze.
- 2. She collected birch catkins for her nature project.
- 3. Catkins are often the first sign of spring.
- 4. The fuzzy catkins attracted bees early in the season.