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.
French lavender has similar rabbit ear bracts, but its leaves are saw-toothed, grey-green and somewhat fuzzy. Lee Somerville, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2024 Over the decades, some people, including scientists and public health officials, would maintain that this fluid and the bracts themselves can deliver a hefty — and possibly fatal — jolt of poison to any cat, dog, or person foolish enough to sample them. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2023 Is a Poinsettia a Flower? Poinsettias are not flowers but shrubs — the colorful leaves that look like flowers are known as bracts. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2023 Luckily, the showy bracts can hold their colors for months. Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 11 Dec. 2023 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 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bract

noun
: a small leaf or leaflike structure at the base of a flower or flower cluster
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