Definition

Proper noun A family of aquatic, rootless, free-floating flowering plants. This family is coextensive with the genus Ceratophyllum, meaning it contains only that single genus. Its common name is hornworts.

Usage

The term "family Ceratophyllaceae" is used in scientific and botanical contexts to classify a specific group of aquatic plants. * Ceratophyllum demersum, commonly known as coontail, belongs to the family Ceratophyllaceae. * In some taxonomic systems, the family Ceratophyllaceae is placed in its own order, Ceratophyllales.

Advanced Usage

• The family is notable for being coextensive with its genus, a relatively rare circumstance in botanical classification where the family contains only one genus.
• Members of this family are often used in aquariums and ponds as oxygenating plants.

Variants and Related Words

• Ceratophyllaceae: The standard form, often used without the word "family."
• Ceratophyllum: The sole genus within the family Ceratophyllaceae.
• hornwort: The common name for plants in this family.

Synonyms

• hornwort family: A common English synonym.

Notes on Meaning

This term has a single, specific botanical meaning. It does not have idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, as it is a technical scientific name.

Noun

1. coextensive with the genus Ceratophyllum: hornworts