Bract (Noun)
Meaning
A modified leaf or leaflike part just below and protecting an inflorescence.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The bright red bract surrounding the flowers of the poinsettia is often mistaken for the flower itself.
- The modified leaf or bract of the banana flower serves to protect the delicate blossoms.
- The brightly colored bract of the Bougainvillea vine is what catches the eye, not the tiny flowers it shelters.
- A papery bract encloses and protects the bud of the flower, slowly opening to reveal the blooms within.
- In the bouquets of some cut flower arrangements, bracts from plants like baby's breath are often used as a filler.