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Glite Dictionary
family Cactaceae

family Cactaceae

7.5
A group of plants like a cactus that have thick stems for holding water and often sharp spines
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli kækˈteɪsi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Cactaceae
  • Many species in the family Cactaceae thrive in deserts, where they store water in their stems.

Examples

  • The family Cactaceae includes a variety of plants known for their thick, fleshy stems and spines.

  • Prickly pear is the common name for several species of the genus Opuntia (family Cactaceae) that are indigenous to the western hemisphere.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Botanists study the family Cactaceae to learn about the unique adaptations of cacti to arid environments.

Synonyms

cactus family
vsfamily Cactaceae
4.9

A group of plants with thick stems that store water in dry areas

is defined as the botanical group with succulent stems and often spines
Cactaceae
vsfamily Cactaceae
  • Specialized
9.3

A family of flowering plants with thick water-filled stems and sharp spines that grow in dry places

notes that they are largely native to the Americas

Surface Forms

family Cactaceae singular
families Cactaceae plural

Morphology

family + Cactaceae

This is a compositional taxonomic label: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Cactaceae' directly denotes the botanical family of cacti. The structure mirrors standard naming patterns in biology and many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Family Cactaceae comes from the Latin name 'Cactaceae' for cactuses. Family means a group of related plants and Cactaceae names those cactus plants, known for thick stems that store water and sharp spines that help them live in dry places.