-aceous, -acea, -aceae, -aceaen, -aceus
(Latin: a suffix; having the quality of, of the nature of, characterized by, belonging to, resembling)
There are hunderds of words that utilize the -aceous suffix which are not shown here; however, the following will present important examples.
A suffix that forms adjectives and is used with technical combinations, especially in biological terms: "pertaining or belonging to, of the nature of, or characterized by; to be full of, to possess abundantly". The suffix -acea usually denotes "orders and classes in zoology" while the suffix -aceae usually denotes "orders and families in botany" and -aceaen is used to denote members of "orders of the animal kingdom".
mucoraceous (adjective) (not comparable)
Related to, or encompassed by, the the fungal family Mucoraceae: A serious mucoraceous infection can occur most commonly in the lining of the nose and surrounding sinuses, and otomycosis, is a mucoraceous inflammation of the external ear, often caused by a fungus.
musaceous (adjective), more musaceous, most musaceous
Concerning the tropical and subtropical herbaceous treelike plants of the family Musaceae: Musaceous plants have large leaves and groups of long berry fruits, including not only the banana and edible plantain, but also the Manila hemp.
oleaceous (adjective) (not comparable)
Relating to the plant family Oleaceae: Mary's biology teacher told the students that they should find out more information about oleaceous shrubs and trees which comprise the jasmine, lilac, the olive tree, the ash, and the privet.
1. One who cultivates orchids; an orchidist: Grace thought that orchids were wonderful plants and easy to care for, so she became an orchideacean and devoted herself to growing many kinds of orchids.
2. A plant of the family Orchidaceae: Lisa found 20 different types of orchidaceans in a botany book she was reading and chose the Cattleya and the Dendrobium that she wanted to buy.
2. A plant of the family Orchidaceae: Lisa found 20 different types of orchidaceans in a botany book she was reading and chose the Cattleya and the Dendrobium that she wanted to buy.
orchidaceous (adjective), more orchidaceous, most orchidaceous
1. Resembling an orchid flower in some way, especially in being showy: In preparing the wedding, the couple wished for orchidaceous themes at the reception party following the ceremony.
2. Relating to the family of orchids: The friends noticed some insects infesting their orchidaceous plants in their greenhouse.
2. Relating to the family of orchids: The friends noticed some insects infesting their orchidaceous plants in their greenhouse.
ostraceous (adjective), more ostraceous, most ostraceous
Characterizing an oyster; ostracean: While the guests were in the living room, an ostraceous aroma drifted into the room from the kitchen.
papilionaceous (adjective), more papilionaceous, most papilionaceous
1. Of or pertaining to a butterfly: Jane had a quite papilionaceous behavior, flitting here and there and not settling down for any length of time at all.
2. Pertaining to the Papilionaceae family: The flower petals of the legume plants, like the pea and bean plants, have a papilionaceous form like a butterfly.
2. Pertaining to the Papilionaceae family: The flower petals of the legume plants, like the pea and bean plants, have a papilionaceous form like a butterfly.
papyraceous (adjective), more papyraceous, most papyraceous
Regarding something made of, or resembling paper; papery: June used special papyraceous material, similar to parchment, for putting her cookies on for baking.
pilosebaceous (adjective) (not comparable)
A reference to the structural unit of hairs: The pilosebaceous body parts consist of the hair itself, the follicle, the arrector pili muscle, and the sebaceous gland.
plumaceous (adjective), more plumaceous, most plumaceous
Referring to a feather-like structure: The plumaceous decoration on Sandy's hat resembling a pluma was quite spectacular with brilliant colors!
poaceous (adjective) (not comparable)
In botany, belonging to the plant family Poaceae: The thin and poaceous stems of the meadow grass swayed to and fro in the breeze while the couple were taking a stroll in the early evening hours.
pomaceous (adjective) (not comparable)
Concerning the suborder Pomeæ: The pear trees, the quince trees, and the apple trees all belong to the pomaceous bearing trees.
pseudofoliaceous (adjective) (not comparable)
Regarding a plant which has lobes or expansions similar to leaves: The thalli of pseudofoliaceous plant-like organisms consisting of a cell or a mass of cells, like fungi, liverworts, and algae, cannot be separated into a stem, leaf, or root.
A chronic skin disease which causes redness over parts of the face, such as the cheeks and nose, but primarily the forehead, the chin, and the lower half of the nose: With rosacea, the tiny blood vessels in the areas of the face enlarge (dilate) and become more visible through the skin, characterized by red or rosy colorations like tiny red lines or the appearance of acnelike pimples.
Increased conditions of acne rosacea can be prevented by avoiding certain foods, alcohol, caffeine, and exposure to sunlight, extremes of temperature, wind, and certain cosmetics as prescribed by a dermatologist.
In the earlier stages of rosacea, the patient may notice gradual reddening of the skin, often mistaking these changes for acne, sunburn, or dermatitis.
sanguinaceous (adjective), more sanguinaceous, most sanguinaceous
Descriptive of a blood-red color: The gown Sally wore was of a brilliant sanguinaceous shade and caught the attraction of all of those present at the ball.
Also see this closely related -eous suffix unit.
