thyrse

9.9

A dense cluster of small flowers on a main stem with side branches

noun
/ˈθɪrsi/

Specialized

: tirso

The lilac bush was covered in purple thyrses during the spring bloom.

Examples

Certain species of horse chestnut produce impressive thyrses that attract many pollinators.
Under the microscope, the botanist identified the flower arrangement as a classic thyrse.
The lilac's thyrse is beautifully fragrant.
Many plants, like horse chestnuts, produce thyrses.
Certain species of horse chestnut produce impressive thyrses that attract many pollinators.
The lilac bush was covered in purple thyrses during the spring bloom.
Under the microscope, the botanist identified the flower arrangement as a classic thyrse.

Synonyms

thyrsus

vsthyrse

Specialized

1 9.9

A dense cluster of small flowers on a plant like a lilac or horse chestnut

is identical in meaning and use with no semantic difference

Surface Forms

thyrse singular

thyrses plural

Etymology

The word thyrse comes from the Greek thyrsos, a 'staff' wrapped with vines and often topped by a pine 'cone' used in ancient festivals. So, a thyrse today means a tight, staff-like cluster of flowers on a main stem — a dense group of blooms that looks a bit like that pointed, wrapped staff.