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

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Acanthaceae

Cite this Entry

“Acanthaceae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Acanthaceae. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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