bract: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “bract” mean?
A modified leaf that looks like a petal, often growing at the base of a flower or flower cluster.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A modified leaf that looks like a petal, often growing at the base of a flower or flower cluster.
In botany, any leaf-like structure, which may be small or brightly coloured, associated with a reproductive structure such as a flower, inflorescence, or cone scale.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None. The term is identical in meaning and usage across all scientific English.
Connotations
None beyond its precise botanical definition.
Frequency
Equally low frequency and exclusively technical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “bract” in a Sentence
the bract of a [plant name][adjective] bractbract subtending a flowerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bract” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- bracteal
- The bracteal leaves were a vivid pink.
American English
- bracteal
- Bracteal morphology is key to identification.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in botany, biology, horticulture, and environmental science texts and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A gardener might use it.
Technical
The primary context. Precise term for a specific plant morphology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bract”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bract”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bract”
- Pronouncing it as /breɪkt/ (like 'brake-t').
- Using it to refer to any part of a flower.
- Confusing it with a sepal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A bract is a modified leaf. A petal is a part of the flower itself (a modified inner leaf). Bracts are typically found below the flower or flower cluster.
Yes. The classic example is the poinsettia. The bright red 'flowers' are actually clusters of coloured bracts. The true flowers are the small, yellow centres.
No. Many plants have them, but they vary greatly in size, colour, and prominence. In some plants they are large and colourful; in others they are tiny and green or absent altogether.
Functions vary. They can be protective (shielding a flower bud), attractive (to pollinators, like petals), or photosynthetic. Sometimes their function is not entirely clear.
A modified leaf that looks like a petal, often growing at the base of a flower or flower cluster.
Bract is usually technical/scientific in register.
Bract: in British English it is pronounced /brakt/, and in American English it is pronounced /brækt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BRACelet of leaves (bract) around a flower's wrist.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FRAME or SUPPORT (the bract frames and supports the reproductive flower parts).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'bract' most accurately described as?