Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large family of flowering plants: Graminaceae is the former botanical name for the family now more commonly called Poaceae. This family comprises the true grasses, which are primarily herbaceous (non-woody) plants, though some members like bamboo are woody. It includes economically vital plants such as cereals (e.g., wheat, rice, corn), bamboo, reeds, and sugar cane.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The field was dominated by members of the Graminaceae, waving gently in the wind.
  • Botanists studied the evolutionary history of the Graminaceae family.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: The term "Graminaceae" is considered an older, synonym for the accepted family name Poaceae. Its use is now primarily historical or in specific taxonomic references.
  • In some older botanical texts, you will find the grass family referred to as Graminaceae.

Variants and Related Words

• Poaceae (n): The currently accepted scientific name for the grass family, synonymous with Graminaceae.
  • Poaceae is one of the most economically important plant families.
• Gramineae (n): Another older, alternative name for the same plant family.
• Grass family (n): The common English name for this group of plants.

Synonyms

• Poaceae: The modern taxonomic synonym.
• Grass family: The common name.

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning refers specifically to the taxonomic family of grasses. While the family includes cereals and bamboos, the word "Graminaceae" itself is a scientific label for the entire group, not a term for individual plants like "wheat" or "bamboo." It denotes the collective botanical classification.

Noun

1. the grasses: chiefly herbaceous but some woody plants including cereals; bamboo; reeds; sugar cane