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Glite Dictionary
plane-tree family

plane-tree family

7.7
A family of trees with large leaves and patchy bark often planted in parks for shade
  • noun
  • /ˈpleɪn ˌtriː ˈfæmɪli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia de los plátanos
  • The plane-tree family includes several species cherished for their shade and ornamental value.

Examples

  • Many parks feature trees from the plane-tree family because of their resistance to pollution.

  • Leaves of the plane-tree family are often large and palmately lobed.

  • The plane-tree family includes several species of trees.

  • Many urban parks feature trees from the plane-tree family.

  • The plane-tree family is known for its broad leaves and distinctive bark patterns.

  • In summer, the plane-tree family provides ample shade in public parks across the city.

  • Several species from the plane-tree family thrive in urban environments due to their resilience.

Synonyms

Platanaceae
vsplane-tree family
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of flowering trees that includes plane trees

is the same group but stated as the family form rather than genus form
genus Platanus
vsplane-tree family
  • Specialized
9.1

A group of large trees like London plane and sycamore with peeling bark and maple-like leaves

refers to the same plants but frames them at the family rank coextensive with genus

Surface Forms

plane-tree family singular
plane-tree families plural

Morphology

plane-tree + family

The phrase 'plane-tree family' is compositionally built from 'plane-tree' (a type of tree) plus 'family' (a grouping or taxonomic category), so its meaning as the taxonomic group of plane trees follows directly from the constituents. The productive 'X family' pattern is common and cross-linguistically familiar, making this readily understandable to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Plane-tree family comes from an old word meaning 'broad' because these trees have very large, flat leaves. The plane-tree also has smooth, patchy bark and the word family just groups these similar trees together, so the phrase refers to the group of shade trees with big leaves and patchy bark.