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Glite Dictionary
buttercup family

buttercup family

5.5
A group of flowering plants that includes buttercups and flowers like columbines and clematis
  • noun
  • /ˈbʌtərˌkʌp ˈfæmɪli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia de las ranunculáceas
  • Columbines and clematis are less obvious members of the buttercup family.

Examples

  • Many common wildflowers in the meadow belong to the buttercup family.

  • The buttercup family includes many beautiful flowers.

  • The buttercup family contains more than 2,000 species of plants worldwide.

  • Many species in the buttercup family thrive in wetlands.

  • Hellebores are a type of plant in the buttercup family, which includes many colorful flowers.

  • The buttercup family is known for its diverse species, including the common buttercup.

  • Plants in the buttercup family often thrive in wet meadows and fields.

Synonyms

Ranunculaceae
vsbuttercup family
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A group of plants that make flowers, including buttercups and clematis

is the common English name rather than the Latin scientific name
family Ranunculaceae
vsbuttercup family
  • Specialized
8.8

A group of flowering plants that includes buttercups and clematis

is the common English name not this formal label
crowfoot family
vsbuttercup family
  • Specialized
8.7

A group of plants with flowers that includes buttercups and anemones

is the more familiar common name rather than this alternative

Surface Forms

buttercup family singular
buttercup families plural

Morphology

buttercup + family

The meaning 'a family of flowering plants' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'buttercup' (a plant) with 'family' (a grouping of related species). This follows standard taxonomic/compositional patterns common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Buttercup family comes from the small flower called a buttercup: its bright yellow color looks like butter and the petals make a shallow cup, creating a clear picture. The word 'family' here means a 'group' of related plants, so the phrase names all the plants that are like the buttercup.