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Glite Dictionary
valerian family

valerian family

9.0
A group of mostly herbs with a strong unpleasant smell
  • noun
  • /vəˈlɪəriən ˈfæmɪli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia de la valeriana
  • The valerian family includes herbs known for their distinctively strong smell.

Examples

  • Some members of the valerian family are prized for their sedative properties.

  • Many plants in the valerian family are used for herbal remedies.

  • Botanists study the valerian family to understand the medicinal uses of certain species.

  • The valerian family includes many species of plants.

  • Botanists study the valerian family to understand the medicinal uses of certain species.

  • Some members of the valerian family are prized for their sedative properties.

  • The valerian family includes herbs known for their distinctively strong smell.

Synonyms

family Valerianaceae
vsvalerian family
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of mainly plants with soft stems that have a strong, often unpleasant smell

is the scientific label for that family rather than a descriptive phrase

Surface Forms

valerian family singular
valerian families plural

Morphology

valerian + family

The phrase denotes the taxonomic family containing valerian species and is directly compositional: 'valerian' (a plant) + 'family' (a grouping of related species). A B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer it refers to the family of valerian plants; this follows a common, cross-linguistic noun + family naming pattern.

Etymology

Valerian family comes from the herb valerian, a plant people long ago used as medicine because they thought it would make them strong, and the word 'family' simply means a group of related plants. That's why the valerian family refers to a group of strong smelling, often calming herbs.