family Bryaceae
- noun
- Specialized
- The family Bryaceae includes many familiar moss species.
Examples
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The family Bryaceae includes several widely distributed species of moss.
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Researchers are studying the reproductive habits of mosses in the family Bryaceae.
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Many members of the family Bryaceae thrive in moist, shaded environments.
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In our garden, the family Bryaceae thrives in moist areas.
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Many members of the family Bryaceae thrive in moist, shaded environments.
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Researchers are studying the reproductive habits of mosses in the family Bryaceae.
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The family Bryaceae includes several widely distributed species of moss.
Synonyms
A group of small moss plants that grow on soil or rocks
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward taxonomic noun phrase: 'family' (a grouping) combined with the proper name 'Bryaceae' (a moss family). The overall meaning 'the family Bryaceae' is directly and predictably derived from the constituents and follows common cross-linguistic naming patterns for biological families, so a B1 learner who knows both words will understand it.
Etymology
Family Bryaceae comes from the old Greek word bry- meaning 'moss' and from the ending -aceae, which marks a plant family. So it literally means the 'moss family' and is used for a group of common small moss species that grow in moist, shaded places.