caryophyllaceous

[ kar-ee-oh-fuh-ley-shuhs ]

adjective

1. belonging to the Caryophyllaceae, the pink family of plants.

caryophyllaceous

/ ˌkærɪəʊfɪˈleɪʃəs /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Caryophyllaceae, a family of flowering plants including the pink, carnation, sweet william, and chickweed

Word History and Origins

Origin of caryophyllaceous¹

1825–35; < New Latin Caryophyllace ( ae ) the family ( Caryophyll ( us ) a genus < Greek karyóphyllon clove tree ( caryo-, -phyll ) + -aceae ) + -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of caryophyllaceous¹

C19: from New Latin Caryophyllāceae, from Caryophyllus former type genus, from Greek karuophullon clove tree, from karuon nut + phullon leaf