ˌmelənˈthāsēˌē, ˌmeˌlan- noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, irregular from Melanthium, type genus + -aceae
in some classifications : a family of monocotyledonous plants (order Liliales) distinguished from the Liliaceae by the septicidal capsule and by the absence of bulbs — see melanthium
• mel·an·tha·ceous | ̷ ̷(ˌ) ̷ ̷|thāshəs adjective