catkin
1 synonym for catkin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A dangling, spike-shaped cluster of small flowers without petals, found on trees such as willow and poplar.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
ament
How to use catkin
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
willow catkins
hazel catkins
fluffy catkins
catkins in spring
It is a straightforward botanical term, understood well beyond specialist writing.
Etymology
Catkin comes from Middle Dutch katteken, literally meaning little cat, a name given because the longer catkins were thought to look like a kitten's tail, or because of the soft fur on some of them. It is related to German Kätzchen and Dutch katje, and is built from cat plus the diminutive ending -kin.
Full origin of catkin →Frequently asked questions
What is a catkin?
It is a hanging, spike-like flower cluster with no petals, seen on trees such as willow, hazel and poplar.
Why is it called a catkin?
The name comes from a Middle Dutch word meaning little cat, because the flower spikes were thought to resemble a kitten's tail.
Which trees produce catkins?
Willow and poplar are classic examples, and catkins also appear on trees such as hazel and birch.
