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subfamily Mimosoideae

subfamily Mimosoideae

9.9
A group of plants in the bean family that includes acacias and mimosas
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : subfamilia Mimosoideae
  • The subfamily Mimosoideae includes economically important trees such as acacias and mesquites.

Examples

  • Many species in the subfamily Mimosoideae are well-known for their sensitive leaves that fold when touched.

  • Taxonomists sometimes debate the placement of the subfamily Mimosoideae within the larger Fabaceae family.

  • The subfamily Mimosoideae includes various species of acacia.

  • Many plants in the subfamily Mimosoideae are native to Australia.

  • Many species in the subfamily Mimosoideae are well-known for their sensitive leaves that fold when touched.

  • The subfamily Mimosoideae includes economically important trees such as acacias and mesquites.

  • Taxonomists sometimes debate the placement of the subfamily Mimosoideae within the larger Fabaceae family.

Synonyms

Mimosoideae
vssubfamily Mimosoideae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of flowering plants like acacia and mimosa in the pea family

is framed as a subgroup included within the larger legume family
Mimosaceae
vssubfamily Mimosoideae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of thorny shrubs and small trees with leaves that move when touched

is a subunit inside that family rather than naming the whole family

Surface Forms

Morphology

subfamily + Mimosoideae

The phrase is fully compositional: 'subfamily' names the taxonomic rank and 'Mimosoideae' is the proper name of that subgroup, so the meaning (a subgroup within the legume family) follows directly from the constituents. Taxonomic construction is cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner who knows both words will be able to understand this phrase.

Etymology

Subfamily Mimosoideae: The name subfamily Mimosoideae comes from mimosa plants that fold their leaves when touched. The word subfamily means a 'small family' inside a larger plant family, so the phrase names that group of related legume plants.