umbel

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a flat-topped or rounded flower cluster whose individual stalks arise from nearly the same point

   Each umbel of the wild carrot spread its tiny flowers like the ribs of an umbrella.

From New Latin umbella, borrowed from Latin umbella, 'sunshade or umbrella,' the diminutive of umbra, 'shade.' The botanical name reflects the way the flower stalks radiate from one point like the ribs of an umbrella.

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