bract

noun

1
: a leaf from the axil of which a flower or floral axis arises
2
: a leaf borne on a floral axis
especially : one subtending a flower or flower cluster
bracteal adjective
bracteate adjective
bracted adjective

Examples of bract in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Poinsettias now come with bracts of white, orange, yellow, pink, purple, blue, and various shades of red. Norman Ellstrand and Nathan Ellstrand / Made By History, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024 Under this light/dark regime, the bracts begin to turn color. Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 2 Dec. 2024 Start by cutting the flowers with about 6 inches of stem, removing the leaves and a few outer bracts for smaller blooms if desired. Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2024 Inside the home, position poinsettias away from air ducts that could cause excessive drying of bracts and foliage. Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bract 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin bractea, from Latin, thin metal plate

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bract was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near bract

Cite this Entry

“Bract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bract. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

bract

noun
: a small leaf or leaflike structure at the base of a flower or flower cluster
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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