Bromeliaceae

plural noun

Bro·​me·​li·​a·​ce·​ae

brōˌmēlēˈāsēˌē

: a family of tropical American epiphytic or terrestrial herbs or subshrubs (order Xyridales) that have basal often spiny leaves and flowers in dense spikes, panicles, or heads with large often colored bracts and that include several plants (such as the pineapple) of economic importance

bromeliaceous

brō¦mēlē¦āshəs

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Bromelia, type genus + -aceae

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!