Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of tropical trees: Myristica is the type genus of the family Myristicaceae. It refers to a group of tropical Asian evergreen trees known for producing aromatic seeds. 2. Source of nutmeg: The most commercially significant species within this genus is Myristica fragrans, the tree that produces the spices nutmeg (from the seed) and mace (from the seed covering).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The genus Myristica includes several species of aromatic trees.
  • Nutmeg is derived from the seed of Myristica fragrans.
  • Botanists study the Myristica genus for its unique floral and fruit characteristics.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical taxonomy: The name is used formally in scientific classification to group related species.
  • The specimen was identified as belonging to the genus Myristica.

Variants and Related Words

• Myristicaceae (n): The plant family to which the genus belongs.
• Myristicin (n): An aromatic compound found in the essential oil of nutmeg ( seeds).

Synonyms

• Nutmeg tree (for Myristica fragrans): The common name for the most well-known species.
• Type genus of Myristicaceae: A descriptive synonym highlighting its taxonomic role.

Different Meanings

The word Myristica has a single, specific meaning in English, referring exclusively to the botanical genus. It is not used in idiomatic expressions or with different connotations.

Noun

1. type genus of Myristicaceae; tropical Asian evergreen trees with small white or yellow flowers followed by fleshy fruits