Ament
/ˈeɪ.mənt/noun
A catkin, or slender, usually drooping flower cluster lacking conspicuous petals.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin amentum, meaning “strap” or “thong,” apparently inspired by the flexible, hanging form of a catkin.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
amentum
“A strap, thong, or projecting appendage; later, a catkin-like flower cluster”
Late Latin
Latin
amentum
“Ament or catkin, retaining the botanical sense”
18th Century
Botanical Latin
amentum
“A catkin or spike-like inflorescence”
18th Century
English
ament
“A catkin”
Modern English
English
ament
“A botanical term for a catkin, especially a slender drooping flower cluster”
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