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Glite Dictionary
palm family

palm family

5.8
A group of mainly tropical plants like coconut and date trees with large leaves
  • noun
  • /pɑlm ˈfæmɪli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia de las palmas
  • The palm family includes many well-known plants, such as coconuts and date palms.

Examples

  • Many species in the palm family are vital to tropical ecosystems and local economies.

  • Botanists study the characteristics that distinguish the palm family from other plant families.

  • The palm family includes many species found in tropical regions.

  • Many plants in the palm family thrive in sandy soils.

  • The palm family consists of a variety of tropical plants that are recognized for their tall trunks and large leaves.

  • Cultivating species from the palm family can greatly enhance the biodiversity of tropical gardens.

  • The palm family plays a crucial role in providing food and habitat for many animals in tropical ecosystems.

Synonyms

Arecaceae
vspalm family
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of tropical trees and shrubs that includes palm trees

gives the same family in general descriptive terms rather than technical naming
family Palmae
vspalm family
  • Specialized
7.4

A group of tropical trees and plants with tall trunks and big leaves like coconut and date palms

is the scientific family defined in botanical terms rather than the traditional label
Palmae
vspalm family
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of tropical plants like coconut or date palms with tall trunks and large leaves

is the modern botanical family term, not the older naming
Palmaceae
vspalm family
  • Specialized
9.5

A group of tropical trees and plants like coconut and date palms

is the standard family description rather than a variant name
order Palmales
vspalm family
  • Archaic
8.6

A group of plants that includes all palm trees like coconut palms

is the specific family level, not the broader order

Surface Forms

palm family singular
palm families plural

Morphology

palm + family

The meaning 'the family (taxonomic group) of palm plants' is directly and compositionally derived from 'palm' (a type of tropical tree) + 'family' (a grouping of related species). This noun–noun combination follows a common, cross-linguistic compositional pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Palm family comes from the common word palm, meaning the tall trees with big leaves, and the word family, meaning a 'group' of related plants. So it means the group of plants that includes coconuts and date palms.