Definition

Noun: - A large family of monocotyledonous plants, the Liliaceae, characterized by having flowers with parts in threes, parallel-veined leaves, and bulbs or rhizomes. It historically encompassed many species now often classified into separate families.

Usage

• The term is used in botanical contexts to refer to the broad, traditional grouping of lily-like plants.

Advanced Usage

• "in the lily family": Used to describe a plant's taxonomic placement.
  • Although it looks different, asparagus is a plant in the lily family.

Variants and Related Words

• Liliaceae: The formal, scientific name for the lily family.
• Liliaceous (adj): Of or relating to the lily family.
  • The plant has liliaceous flowers.

Synonyms

• Liliaceae (scientific synonym)

Notes on Meaning

This term primarily refers to the traditional, broad botanical family Liliaceae. Modern phylogenetic studies have led to the division of this group into numerous separate families (e.g., Asparagaceae, Amaryllidaceae). Therefore, "lily family" can have a historical/classical meaning versus a more precise, modern circumscription. The core, "true lily" plants (genus Lilium) remain within the family.

Noun

1. includes species sometimes divided among the following families: Alliaceae; Aloeaceae; Alstroemeriaceae; Aphyllanthaceae; Asparagaceae; Asphodelaceae; Colchicaceae; Convallariaceae; Hemerocallidaceae; Hostaceae; Hyacinthaceae; Melanthiaceae; Ruscaceae; Smilacaceae; Tecophilaeacea; Xanthorrhoeaceae