Definition

A type of plant that belongs to the carrot or parsley family, characterized by flowers that grow in a round cluster called an umbel.

Example

The garden was filled with beautiful umbellifers, attracting many bees and butterflies.

Conversation

Have you ever seen an umbellifer in the wild?

I think so! Aren't they part of the carrot family?

Yes, and they have those distinct flowers that grow in umbels.

Right! I love how unique they look when they're in bloom.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Umbellifer → It is formed from "umbella" (from Latin *umbella*, meaning a small shadow or shade) and "-fer" (from Latin *ferre*, meaning to bear or carry). The word refers to plants that bear flowers in an umbrella-like shape, hence the name.

Memory Tip

Picture plants that 'carry' ('fer') flowers that look like a 'small shade' ('umbella') — that's why umbellifer refers to these umbrella-shaped flowering plants.

Visually Confused Words