catkin
|cat-kin|
/ˈkætkɪn/
slender, tail-like flower cluster
Etymology
'catkin' originates from Dutch, specifically the word 'katteken,' where 'kat' meant 'cat' and the diminutive '-ken' meant 'little.'
'katteken' transformed into the English word 'catkin' in the 16th century, likely due to the resemblance of the flower cluster to a kitten's tail.
Initially, it referred to a 'little cat' or 'kitten,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a type of flower cluster resembling a cat's tail.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a slim, cylindrical flower cluster, with inconspicuous or no petals, usually wind-pollinated and found on some trees such as willows, birches, and oaks.
The willow tree produces catkins in early spring.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/01 12:34