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Glite Dictionary
Papilionacea

Papilionacea

9.9
A group of plants like peas and beans that have butterfly-shaped flowers
  • noun
  • /ˌpæpɪlɪəˈneɪʃə/
  • Archaic
: papilionácea
  • The characteristic butterfly-shaped flower of the Papilionacea distinguishes it from other plant families.

Examples

  • Botanists often classify peas and beans within the Papilionacea due to their unique floral structure.

  • Many species in the Papilionacea are cultivated for their edible seeds and flowers.

  • The Papilionacea family includes many beautiful flowering plants.

  • Many gardeners love Papilionaceas for their vibrant colors.

  • Botanists often classify peas and beans within the Papilionacea due to their unique floral structure.

  • Many species in the Papilionacea are cultivated for their edible seeds and flowers.

  • The characteristic butterfly-shaped flower of the Papilionacea distinguishes it from other plant families.

Synonyms

Papilionoideae
vsPapilionacea
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A group of plants like beans and peas that have a special flower shape

is the same group regarded historically as a separate family
Papilionaceae
vsPapilionacea
  • Archaic
9.9

A group of plants with butterfly-shaped flowers, like peas and beans

is the same concept but written with a different suffix

Surface Forms

Papilionacea singular
Papilionaceas plural

Etymology

Papilionacea comes from the Latin root papilio, which means 'butterfly', because the flower shape in these plants reminds people of small butterflies. The ending -acea is a Latin form for a plant 'family', so Papilionacea names the family of pea-like plants, such as peas and beans, with butterfly-shaped flowers.