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Glite Dictionary
trillium family

trillium family

9.9
A small group of plants that live for many years and have flowers with three petals
  • noun
  • /ˈtrɪliəm ˈfæmɪli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia de los trillium
  • The trillium family is known for its unique three-petaled blossoms that bloom in the spring.

Examples

  • Recent studies have debated whether the trillium family should be placed within the Liliaceae.

  • Many woodland wildflowers, such as those in the trillium family, are sensitive to habitat changes.

  • The trillium family includes various species found in North America.

  • Many plants in the trillium family bloom in early spring.

  • The trillium family consists of beautiful wildflowers often found in shady forests.

  • Flowers from the trillium family are easily recognized by their three distinctive petals.

  • In botanical studies, the trillium family is admired for its fascinating growth patterns and diversity.

Synonyms

family Trilliaceae
vstrillium family
  • Specialized
9.9

A small group of flowering plants with three petals and three sepals

is the same but omits the explicit group label
Trilliaceae
vstrillium family
  • Specialized
9.9

A small family of flowering plants with three petals on each flower

is the same but presents the name including an explicit group label

Surface Forms

trillium family singular
trillium families plural

Morphology

trillium + family

The phrase denotes the taxonomic group associated with trillium plants, so its meaning is directly composed from 'trillium' (a plant) + 'family' (a grouping of related species). This noun + class composition is a regular, cross-linguistically common pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Trillium family comes from the plant name trillium, from old words meaning 'three' and 'lily' because these plants have three petals. So, the name means a 'family' or group of plants that all share that three-petaled look.