Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic family of flowering plants: "dogwood family" is the common name for the plant family Cornaceae, which is classified within the order Cornales (historically Umbellales). It includes shrubs, trees, and a few herbs, many of which are known for their ornamental value.
   • A botanical classification: The term refers specifically to a family in the rosid dicot group, encompassing genera such as Cornus (dogwoods), Aucuba, Corokia, Curtisia, Griselinia, and Helwingia.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The dogwood family includes many popular garden shrubs.
  • Botanists study the evolution of species within the dogwood family.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical taxonomy: The scientific name "Cornaceae" is often used interchangeably with "dogwood family" in academic and horticultural contexts.
  • The classification of the genus Helwingia within the dogwood family has been confirmed by genetic studies.

Variants and Related Words

• Cornaceae (n): The scientific, Latin name for the dogwood family.
• Dogwood (n): A common name for trees and shrubs of the genus , which is the most well-known genus within the dogwood family.

Synonyms

• Cornaceae: The direct scientific synonym.
• Family Cornaceae: A formal taxonomic term.

Related Phrases

• Member of the dogwood family: Used to describe a plant belonging to this taxonomic group.
  • The flowering tree is a member of the dogwood family.

Noun

1. a rosid dicot family of the order Umbellales including: genera Aucuba, Cornus, Corokia, Curtisia, Griselinia, Helwingia