Definition

Noun: 1. A large family of flowering plants: The figwort family is a taxonomic family (Scrophulariaceae) of dicotyledonous plants, historically characterized by often having irregular, two-lipped flowers and opposite leaves. It includes many well-known herbaceous plants, some of which are cultivated for their flowers or have medicinal properties.

Usage Notes

• The term "figwort family" is the common name for the botanical family Scrophulariaceae.
• In modern botanical classification, this family has been redefined. Many genera traditionally placed in the figwort family (like and ) are now classified in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Therefore, the term often refers to the traditional, broader grouping of these plants.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Botanists have long studied the diverse species within the figwort family.
  • The common foxglove is a classic example of a plant from the traditional figwort family.
  • Several plants in the figwort family have been used in herbal medicine.

Advanced Usage

• "formerly placed in the figwort family": A common phrase in modern botanical texts indicating where a plant was classified under older taxonomic systems.
  • The genus Veronica (speedwell) was formerly placed in the figwort family but is now in Plantaginaceae.

Variants and Related Words

• Scrophulariaceae (n): The scientific Latin name for the figwort family.
• Figwort (n): A common name for plants in the genus , which gives the family its common name.
• Scrophulariaceous (adj): Relating to or belonging to the figwort family.

Synonyms

• Scrophulariaceae (scientific synonym)

Different Meanings

• The term refers specifically to a botanical family. It does not have other common, non-scientific meanings.

Noun

1. a family of dicotyledonous plants of the order Polemoniales; includes figwort and snapdragon and foxglove and toadflax and speedwell and mullein; in some classifications placed in the order Scrophulariales