What does umbel mean?
An umbel is a botanical term for an inflorescence—the branching arrangement in which a group of flowers is borne on stalks radiating from a common point. Its outline often resembles a parasol, which explains both the word's visual associations and its history. Umbels are especially characteristic of the carrot family, Apiaceae, including carrots, parsley, celery, and several ornamental species. The term is precise rather than decorative: in a true umbel, the individual flower stalks arise from essentially one point, whereas other clustered arrangements, such as corymbs, have stems of different lengths and do not share a single origin. For readers, “umbel” is chiefly useful as a specialist label for recognizing this radial floral structure. It belongs to formal botanical and horticultural vocabulary, but it can also make botanical descriptions more vivid by connecting an unfamiliar arrangement to the familiar shape of an open umbrella.
nounAn inflorescence in which flower stalks radiate from a common point, often forming a rounded or umbrella-shaped head, as in carrots and parsley.
- Botany: an inflorescence whose individual flower stalks arise from a common point, often forming an umbrella-shaped head.
"Each umbel bore dozens of tiny white flowers."
"Each umbel bore dozens of tiny white flowers."
"In botany, members of the carrot family often bear their flowers in umbels."
The regular plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several large umbels appeared above the hedge."
From Latin for “parasol,” an umbel is the botanical umbrella: flower stalks radiating like ribs from one central point.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does umbel come from?
Umbel derives from the Latin umbella, a diminutive of umbra meaning “shadow” and originally denoting a parasol or sunshade. In botanical usage, the name suits the flower's radiating stalks, which resemble the ribs of a parasol. Related words sharing the Latin root include umbrella and umbrage, alongside umbra itself.
Related word forms
How umbel is actually used
Chiefly used in botany and horticulture, this is technical rather than everyday vocabulary. It names a particular arrangement of flowers, not the individual flowers or the entire plant.
Easily confused with umbel
An umbrella is a portable covering for rain or sun, whereas an umbel is a botanical arrangement of flowers on radiating stalks.