Definition

Noun: 1. A large family of aromatic herbs and shrubs: This is a taxonomic family of flowering plants, commonly known as the mint or deadnettle family. Key characteristics include square stems, opposite leaves, and aromatic foliage. 2. Defining botanical features: The family is characterized by flowers with a distinctive two-lipped (bilabiate) corolla resembling an open mouth, and ovaries that divide into four lobes, each yielding a one-seeded nutlet.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Many common culinary herbs, such as basil and oregano, belong to the family Lamiaceae.
  • Botanists study the family Lamiaceae for its diverse medicinal and aromatic properties.
  • The plant was identified as a member of the family Lamiaceae due to its square stem and opposite leaves.

Advanced Usage

• "Lamiaceae" as a synonym: In botanical contexts, "Lamiaceae" is often used interchangeably with "family Lamiaceae."
  • The genus Salvia is one of the largest within Lamiaceae.

Variants and Related Words

• Labiatae (n): An older, synonymous family name for Lamiaceae.
• Mint family (n): The common name for the family Lamiaceae.
• Lamiaceous (adj): Describing a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family.
  • The garden featured several lamiaceous shrubs.

Synonyms

• Mint family: The common vernacular name.
• Labiatae: The former scientific name.

Related Phrases

• Family of aromatic herbs: A descriptive phrase highlighting a primary characteristic.
• The mint family: The most frequent common name used in general and gardening contexts.

Noun

1. a large family of aromatic herbs and shrubs having flowers resembling the lips of a mouth and four-lobed ovaries yielding four one-seeded nutlets and including mint; thyme; sage; rosemary