arum family: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialist, Scientific, Horticultural
Quick answer
What does “arum family” mean?
A taxonomic family (Araceae) of flowering plants, often characterized by a distinctive inflorescence called a spadix surrounded by a leaf-like spathe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A taxonomic family (Araceae) of flowering plants, often characterized by a distinctive inflorescence called a spadix surrounded by a leaf-like spathe.
In gardening and horticulture, refers to a group of plants prized for their ornamental foliage and unique flowers, including popular houseplants and outdoor specimens.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; 'arum family' is the standard term in both dialects for scientific communication. Colloquially, UK gardeners might slightly more often refer to specific members (e.g., 'lords-and-ladies') by their common names.
Connotations
Connotes botanical knowledge, gardening expertise, or academic study of plants.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but standard within its specialist domains.
Grammar
How to Use “arum family” in a Sentence
The [plant name] is a member of the arum family.The arum family includes [plant names].Characteristic of the arum family is the [feature].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arum family” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The arum-family plant thrived in the shade.
- She has a specialist interest in arum-family morphology.
American English
- This arum-family specimen is native to the tropics.
- The arum-family characteristics are evident in the inflorescence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche horticultural trade.
Academic
Standard term in botany, plant taxonomy, and horticultural science.
Everyday
Uncommon; a gardener might use it.
Technical
Precise taxonomic classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arum family”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arum family”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arum family”
- Confusing 'arum' (the family/common name) with 'alum' (a chemical compound).
- Using 'arum family' to refer to any lily-like plant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'arum family' is the common English name for the botanical family Araceae.
Many contain calcium oxalate crystals which can be irritating if ingested, but toxicity levels vary. Some, like taro (Colocasia esculenta), are edible when properly processed.
The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), known for its massive, foul-smelling inflorescence, is one of the most famous.
Yes, 'aroid' is a common informal adjective (e.g., 'aroid plant') and noun used by enthusiasts, essentially synonymous with 'member of the arum family'.
A taxonomic family (Araceae) of flowering plants, often characterized by a distinctive inflorescence called a spadix surrounded by a leaf-like spathe.
Arum family is usually specialist, scientific, horticultural in register.
Arum family: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɛːrəm ˌfæm(ə)li/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛrəm ˌfæm(ə)li/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ARMY (sounds like 'arum') of plants, all standing in a family portrait, each holding a distinctive flower spike (spadix).
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT TAXONOMY IS A FAMILY TREE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a member of the arum family (Araceae)?