Rubiaceae

plural noun

Ru·​bi·​a·​ce·​ae
ˌrübēˈāsēˌē
: a family of mostly tropical herbs, shrubs, and trees (order Rubiales) of very diverse habits having opposite stipulate leaves and regular flowers with the stamens borne on the corolla tube and a 1- to 10-celled ovary usually with numerous ovules that becomes in fruit a capsule, a berry, or one or more distinct nutlets
rubiaceous
¦rübē¦āshəs
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Rubia, type genus + -aceae

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Cite this Entry

“Rubiaceae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rubiaceae. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

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