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Glite Dictionary
moss family

moss family

6.7
A group of related small green plants like common mosses in one family
  • noun
  • /mɔs ˈfæmɪli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia de musgos
  • Many biologists study the unique features found in the moss family.

Examples

  • The moss family includes many unique species.

  • Botanists recently discovered a new species belonging to the moss family in the rainforest.

  • The Polytrichaceae is an important moss family in northern regions.

  • Did you know that the moss family has over 20 genera?

  • The species Polytrichum juniperinum belongs to the moss family known as Polytrichaceae.

  • In botanical studies, various species of Bryaceae make up an important part of the moss family.

  • Researchers documented several new species within the moss family Sphagnaceae during their expedition.

Surface Forms

moss family singular
moss families plural

Morphology

moss + family

The phrase 'moss family' is directly compositional: a B1 learner who knows 'moss' (a type of plant) and 'family' (a taxonomic grouping) can infer it refers to a family-level grouping of moss species. This follows standard noun + noun taxonomy patterns found across languages, so the meaning is transparent from the constituents.

Etymology

Moss family combines moss, the small green plants that often grow together, and family, a group of related members. So it means 'a group of related plant types', or several kinds of moss that belong to the same group.