Cyperaceae

/ˌsɪpəˈreɪsiːə/ noun

Definition

The sedge family, a large group of grass-like plants with triangular stems that grow in wetlands and marshy areas worldwide.

Etymology

From the genus Cyperus (derived from Greek 'kupeiros') plus the Latin taxonomic suffix '-aceae' meaning family. Cyperus itself has ancient roots possibly from Greek descriptions of papyrus-like plants.

Kelly Says

Sedges have triangular stems so distinctive that botanists joke 'sedges have edges'—and one species, papyrus sedge, was so important to ancient Egypt that it might've determined which civilization dominated the Mediterranean!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.