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Glite Dictionary
genus Zanthoxylum

genus Zanthoxylum

9.9
A group of trees and shrubs that people use in cooking and medicine
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈzænθoʊˌzaɪləm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Zanthoxylum
  • Several species in the genus Zanthoxylum are known as Sichuan pepper trees.

Examples

  • The genus Zanthoxylum includes plants widely used in traditional medicine and cuisine.

  • The distribution of the genus Zanthoxylum extends across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

  • The genus Zanthoxylum includes several species of prickly ash.

  • Many plants in the genus Zanthoxylum have medicinal properties.

  • Several species in the genus Zanthoxylum are known for their distinctive prickly stems and aromatic leaves.

  • The genus Zanthoxylum is notable for its use in various cuisines, adding a unique flavor to dishes.

  • In tropical regions, representatives of the genus Zanthoxylum thrive in diverse habitats, from rainforests to upland areas.

Synonyms

Zanthoxylum
vsgenus Zanthoxylum
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A tree or shrub like prickly ash that has spicy seeds used in cooking and medicine

emphasizes common naming and regional occurrence rather than uses
prickly ash
vsgenus Zanthoxylum
  • US
9.9

A tree or shrub with spiny branches often used for its strong-smelling bark

names the broader scientific genus rather than individual spiny species

Surface Forms

genus Zanthoxylum singular
genera Zanthoxylum plural

Morphology

genus + Zanthoxylum

The phrase is fully compositional: 'genus' denotes a biological rank and 'Zanthoxylum' is the proper name of the taxon, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to the taxonomic group of species called Zanthoxylum. This follows standard scientific naming patterns found across languages, making the meaning directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Genus Zanthoxylum comes from old Greek words xantho and xylon, which mean 'yellow' and 'wood'. Because many of these trees have yellowish wood or bark, the picture of 'yellow wood' helps explain and remember the name for this group of prickly trees.