Graminaceae

/ɡræmɪˈneɪsiːi/ noun

Definition

The scientific family name for grasses, one of the largest and most important plant families including wheat, rice, corn, and bamboo.

Etymology

From Latin 'gramen' (grass) plus the Linnaean suffix '-aceae' for plant families. Established in formal botanical nomenclature in the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Graminaceae is probably the family of plants most important to human civilization—it literally feeds the world! Rice, wheat, and corn alone feed more than half of humanity.

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