Acanthaceae

plural noun

Ac·​an·​tha·​ce·​ae
ˌaˌkanˈthāsēˌē,
ˌakən-
: a family of widely distributed herbs, shrubs, and trees (order Polemoniales) having opposite leaves and tubular bracted irregular flowers with two or four stamens
acanthaceous
¦aˌkan¦thāshəs
¦akən-
adjective
acanthad
əˈkan(t)thəd
-nˌthad
noun
plural -s

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Acanthus, type genus + -aceae

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Acanthaceae was in 1819

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Acanthaceae

Cite this Entry

“Acanthaceae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Acanthaceae. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!