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Glite Dictionary
genus Sapindus

genus Sapindus

9.9
A group of trees and shrubs with fruits called soapberries used as natural soap
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs səˈpɪndəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Sapindus
  • The genus Sapindus includes several species of soapberry trees.

Examples

  • The genus Sapindus includes several species whose fruits are used as natural soap.

  • Many plants in the genus Sapindus produce saponins.

  • Botanists have studied the genus Sapindus for its medicinal and cleansing properties.

  • Members of the genus Sapindus are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.

  • The genus Sapindus includes several species whose fruits are used as natural soap.

  • Botanists have studied the genus Sapindus for its medicinal and cleansing properties.

  • Members of the genus Sapindus are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Synonyms

Sapindus
vsgenus Sapindus
  • Specialized
9.9

A tree or shrub that makes berries used as natural soap

is the taxonomic type genus of the family rather than a general genus

Surface Forms

genus Sapindus singular
genera Sapindus plural

Morphology

genus + Sapindus

The phrase is compositionally built from 'genus' (a biological rank) and 'Sapindus' (the name of a group of trees), so its meaning — the genus named Sapindus — is directly derivable from the constituents. This follows a standard taxonomic naming pattern found across languages, making it immediately comprehensible to learners who know both words.

Etymology

Genus Sapindus is named after old words for 'soap' because these trees and shrubs make fruits that foam and clean when rubbed in water. That's why people call them 'soapberries' and the name reminds us of their use as natural 'soap'.