Theophrastaceae

plural noun

The·​o·​phras·​ta·​ce·​ae
ˌthēəfraˈstāsēˌē
: a family of mainly tropical trees and shrubs (order Primulales) distinguished from Myrsinaceae mainly by staminodia in the flowers
theophrastaceous
¦⸗⸗⸗¦stāshəs
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Theophrasta, type genus (after Theophrastus, who wrote treatises on botany) + -aceae

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Cite this Entry

“Theophrastaceae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Theophrastaceae. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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