Definition

Noun: * Family Meliaceae: A family of tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs, known as the mahogany family. It includes many species valued for their high-quality timber and as ornamental plants.

Usage Notes

• Capitalization: In biological taxonomy, family names are always capitalized: .
• Context: This term is used almost exclusively in scientific, botanical, horticultural, or forestry contexts. It is a formal taxonomic classification.
• Grammar: It functions as a singular noun when referring to the taxonomic group as a whole (e.g., "The family Meliaceae is widespread.").

Examples

• Scientific Classification:
  • Swietenia mahagoni, the West Indian mahogany, belongs to the family Meliaceae.
  • Botanists study the floral structure of the family Meliaceae.
• Economic Importance:
  • Several members of the family Meliaceae are crucial sources of commercial timber.
  • The family Meliaceae includes trees prized for their durable and attractive wood.

Advanced Usage

• In Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to specify a rank within the order Sapindales.
  • The genus Melia is the type genus for the family Meliaceae.

Variants and Related Words

• Meliaceae: The standard, capitalized form of the family name without the word "family."
• Melialean (adj.): Relating to or characteristic of the family Meliaceae.
  • The tree exhibits typical melialean features.

Synonyms

• Mahogany family: A common, informal name for this plant family.

Different Meanings

This term has a single, specific meaning in botanical taxonomy. It does not have other general English definitions.

Noun

1. tropical trees and shrubs including many important timber and ornamental trees