bracts
|bracts|
/brækt/
(bract)
leaf-like modified structure near a flower
Etymology
'bract' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'bractea', where 'bractea' meant 'a thin sheet or plate (of metal)'.
'bract' entered English via Medieval/Modern Latin 'bractea' (used for a thin plate or scale) and developed its botanical sense in English by the 17th century as the term for a leaflike scale associated with a flower or inflorescence.
Initially, it meant 'a thin plate or sheet (often of metal)'; over time it shifted to the botanical sense of 'a modified or scale-like leaf associated with reproductive structures.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a modified or specialized leaf, especially one associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower, inflorescence axis, or cone scale; often differing in shape, size, or color from the plant's ordinary leaves.
Many tropical plants have brightly colored bracts that attract pollinators.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/19 03:56