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Glite Dictionary
linden family

linden family

8.8
A group of trees and shrubs that often have scented flowers and soft wood
  • noun
  • /ˈlɪndən ˈfæmɪli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia de los tilos
  • The linden family includes well-known trees such as the linden and some tropical species.

Examples

  • Many plants in the linden family have commercial uses, particularly for their fibers and flowers.

  • Many plants in the linden family are known for their fragrant flowers and heart-shaped leaves.

  • Researchers are studying the distribution of the linden family across various continents.

  • The linden family includes many beautiful trees.

  • Are you familiar with the linden family of trees?

  • Researchers identified several species within the linden family that thrive in temperate climates.

  • The linden family is important for biodiversity, providing habitats for various insects and birds.

Synonyms

family Tiliaceae
vslinden family
  • Specialized
9.8

A group of mainly trees and shrubs from warm and mild regions like southeast Asia and Brazil

has identical meaning but lists example genera such as Tilia
Tiliaceae
vslinden family
  • Archaic
9.9

A former family of trees and shrubs that included linden trees, now part of the mallow family

is described as the family itself without stating its former status

Surface Forms

linden family singular
linden families plural

Morphology

linden + family

The phrase is fully compositional: 'linden' names a type of tree and 'family' denotes a grouping/taxonomic category, so the meaning 'a family of linden trees' is directly derivable from the parts. The noun+noun construction with 'family' to indicate a biological grouping is common across languages and follows standard English patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both words would understand it.

Etymology

Linden family comes from the linden tree and the word family, which here means a 'group of related plants'. Lindens have heart-shaped leaves and sweet-smelling flowers, so picturing those trees helps you remember that linden family means a group of trees and shrubs related to the linden.