Caricaceae

plural noun

Car·​i·​ca·​ce·​ae

ˌkarəˈkāsēˌē

: a family of trees (order Parietales) native to tropical and subtropical America and Africa having milky juice, a rarely branched trunk, and large palmately lobed leaves and including the papaya and a few related plants

caricaceous

¦⸗⸗¦kāshəs

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Carica, type genus + -aceae

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now