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Glite Dictionary
spurge family

spurge family

9.7
A family of flowering plants like poinsettias and spurges that often have milky sap
  • noun
  • /spɜrdʒ ˈfæmɪli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia de las euforbias
  • The rubber tree is a well-known member of the spurge family, which includes various species like spurges.

Examples

  • Also in the upper canopy is the sandbox tree, a member of the spurge family.

    Academic text (1995)

  • The spurge family contains a variety of flowering plants adapted to different environments.

  • Many plants in the spurge family are known for their milky sap, which can be toxic.

Synonyms

Euphorbiaceae
vsspurge family
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of flowering plants like poinsettia, rubber tree, and cassava

is the scientific name used for that same plant family

Surface Forms

spurge family singular
spurge families plural

Morphology

spurge + family

The phrase simply combines 'spurge' (a type of plant) with 'family' (a taxonomic/grouping term), so its meaning 'a family of spurges/related species' is directly derivable from the constituents. This noun+family composition is a common, transparent taxonomic pattern across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words will understand the MWE.

Etymology

The name spurge family comes from the old word spurge, which means 'to purge' because people used some of these plants as strong medicines to clean the body. Many plants in the family also make a white, milky sap that can sting the skin, so the image of a sharp sap and old purging medicine helps explain why this name refers to that group of plants.