annonacean
|an-no-ace-an|
/ˌænəˈneɪsiən/
relating to the custard-apple family
Etymology
'annonacean' originates from New Latin 'Annonaceae', specifically the word 'Annona', where 'Annona' derived from Taíno 'anón' meaning 'custard-apple'.
'annonacean' changed from the New Latin family name 'Annonaceae' (formed from the genus name 'Annona' + the standard Latin family suffix '-aceae') and entered English as botanical adjectives and nouns such as 'annonaceous' and the variant 'annonacean'.
Initially tied specifically to the genus 'Annona' or its fruit (the custard-apple), it evolved into a broader botanical adjective/noun meaning 'of or relating to the family Annonaceae' and 'a member of that family'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a plant that is a member of the family Annonaceae (the custard-apple family).
The garden contained several annonaceans, including species of Annona and Asimina.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
of or relating to the plant family Annonaceae.
An annonacean fruit typically has aromatic flesh and many seeds.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/22 12:19