Definition

Noun 1. A family of plants (Santalaceae): A taxonomic family of chiefly tropical flowering plants, which are often herbs, shrubs, or trees. Members of this family are characterized by bearing nuts or one-seeded fruit. Many species are hemiparasitic, meaning they obtain some water and nutrients from the roots of other plants. The family includes the economically important sandalwood tree.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sandalwood family includes both parasitic herbs and valuable timber trees.
  • Botanists study the sandalwood family to understand the evolution of parasitism in plants.
  • Several species within the sandalwood family are known for their aromatic heartwood.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical taxonomy: The term is used in a strict scientific context to refer to the family Santalaceae. It is often seen in botanical keys, descriptions, and research papers.
  • The plant was keyed out and identified as a member of the sandalwood family.

Variants and Related Words

• Santalaceae (n): The formal, scientific Latin name for the sandalwood family.
• Sandalwood (n): The common name for aromatic trees in the genus , which belongs to the sandalwood family. The wood and oil are highly valued.
• Mistletoe (n): Many mistletoes (e.g., in the genus ) are members of the sandalwood family, sharing its parasitic habit.

Synonyms

• Santalaceae: (The direct scientific synonym).
• The Santalales order (related term): The sandalwood family is placed within the larger botanical order Santalales.

Notes on Different Meanings

• This term has a very specific, technical meaning in botany. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses outside of scientific discussion. It refers exclusively to the plant family Santalaceae.

Noun

1. chiefly tropical herbs or shrubs or trees bearing nuts or one-seeded fruit