myrtle family

8.1

Group of trees and shrubs that make strong-smelling oils, like eucalyptus and clove

noun
/ˈmɜːrtəl ˈfæmɪli/

Specialized

: familia de los mirtáceos

Eucalyptus is a well-known member of the myrtle family and is valued for its aromatic oils.

Examples

Cloves, which come from the myrtle family, are commonly used as a spice in cooking.
Many species in the myrtle family are used in traditional medicine and perfumery.
The myrtle family includes many aromatic plants.
Many species in the myrtle family are used in perfumes.
Cloves, which come from the myrtle family, are commonly used as a spice in cooking.
Eucalyptus is a well-known member of the myrtle family and is valued for its aromatic oils.
Many species in the myrtle family are used in traditional medicine and perfumery.

Synonyms

Myrtaceae

vsmyrtle family

Specialized

9.9

A group of trees and shrubs like myrtle and eucalyptus that produce fragrant oil

is the everyday common name for that same botanical family

Surface Forms

myrtle family singular

myrtle families plural

Morphology

myrtle + family

The phrase combines a known plant name 'myrtle' with 'family' in its sense of a scientific grouping, so the meaning — the botanical family that includes myrtle (Myrtaceae) and related species — is directly derivable from the parts. This is a transparent, compositional pattern common across languages and likely predictable for a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Myrtle family comes from the plant myrtle, a small fragrant shrub people used long ago for perfume and special ceremonies. The word family here means a 'group' of similar plants, so myrtle family names the group of related fragrant trees and shrubs like eucalyptus and clove.