ENGLISH
REFERENCE

herbaceous

adj.
C2 Proficiency US //ɝˈbeɪʃəs// UK //hɜːbˈeɪʃəs// herba·ceous Archaic

adj. describing plants that have soft, green stems that die back in the winter. These plants usually grow from the ground up each year.

adj. relating to or consisting of plants with non-woody stems that die back to the ground at the end of the growing season. Often used in botanical or horticultural contexts to distinguish from woody shrubs or trees.


SIMPLE

The garden is full of colorful herbaceous plants.

CONTEXTUAL

Gardeners often divide herbaceous perennials in the autumn to encourage healthier growth the following spring.

COMPLEX

The landscape was dominated by a diverse array of herbaceous species, their vibrant foliage providing a striking contrast to the sparse, evergreen shrubs that lined the perimeter of the field.

Origin

Borrowed from Latin herbāceus (“grassy”).

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