family Ulmaceae
Noun A taxonomic family of dicotyledonous flowering plants within the order Urticales. This family is characterized by trees and shrubs, many of which are known for their tough, fibrous bark and simple, often asymmetrical leaves. It includes notable genera such as Ulmus (elms), Celtis (hackberries), Planera, and Trema.
The term "family Ulmaceae" is used in scientific, botanical, and academic contexts to classify and discuss a specific group of plants. * The family Ulmaceae contains several important timber and ornamental trees. * Botanists study the evolutionary relationships within the family Ulmaceae.
- In taxonomic hierarchy: The name is often used to specify a plant's classification, e.g., "The American elm () belongs to the family Ulmaceae."
- Phylogenetic context: In modern botany, the circumscription of this family is sometimes discussed in relation to the broader order Rosales, into which Urticales has often been merged.
- Ulmaceae: The standard, unabbreviated form of the family name.
- Elm family: A common English name for this plant family.
- Ulmus (genus): The type genus of the family, comprising the elm trees.
- Celtis (genus): A genus within the family, comprising the hackberry or nettle trees.
- Elm family (common name)
This is a specialized scientific term with a single, precise meaning in botanical taxonomy. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its primary function is classificatory.
- a dicot family of the order Urticales including: genera Ulmus, Celtis, Planera, Trema