Amentum
/əˈmɛn.təm/noun
A catkin, or a slender, often drooping spike of small, usually unisexual flowers.
Did you know?Latin amentum originally referred to a strap attached to a spear or javelin; botanists later applied the word to dangling flower clusters, apparently because of their shape.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
amentum
“A strap, thong, or throwing-strap attached to a weapon; also a catkin or tassel-like structure.”
Late Latin
Latin
amentum
“A term used for a strap-like or hanging object; the botanical sense continued in learned usage.”
16th Century
English
ament
“A catkin or spike of flowers; an early English form related to the Latin botanical term.”
17th Century
New Latin
amentum
“A botanical term for a catkin, especially in taxonomic descriptions.”
Modern English
English
amentum
“A catkin: a slender, usually drooping inflorescence such as that of a willow, birch, or hazel.”
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