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Glite Dictionary
plum-yew family

plum-yew family

9.9
Evergreen shrubs and small trees from East Asia with seeds that look like plums and leaves like yew trees
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia de los plumíferos
  • The plum-yew family is distinguished by its unique seed structure and evergreen leaves.

Examples

  • The plum-yew family includes several species of evergreen shrubs native to East Asia.

  • Many members of the plum-yew family are cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardens.

  • Botanists recently discovered a new species belonging to the plum-yew family in China.

  • The plum-yew family includes several species of evergreen shrubs.

  • Many gardeners appreciate the plum-yew family for its unique foliage.

  • Many members of the plum-yew family are cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardens.

  • Botanists recently discovered a new species belonging to the plum-yew family growing in China.

Synonyms

Cephalotaxaceae
vsplum-yew family
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of evergreen shrubs and small trees that make cones and grow in East Asia and the Himalayas

is the descriptive common name highlighting plum-like seeds and yew-like foliage

Surface Forms

plum-yew family singular
plum-yew families plural

Morphology

plum-yew + family

The phrase transparently composes 'plum-yew' (a compound describing plum-like and yew-like features) with 'family' (a taxonomic group), so the meaning 'a family of plants with plum- and yew-like characteristics' is directly inferable from the parts. This kind of descriptive compound and the taxonomic use of 'family' is a common, cross-linguistic composition pattern, making it comprehensible to learners who know the constituent words.

Etymology

Plum-yew family comes from a simple picture: these plants have seeds that look a bit like a plum and leaves that look like a yew. So the name describes a 'family' of evergreen shrubs and small trees with plum-like seeds and yew-like leaves.