Herbaceous: meaning, definitions and examples

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herbaceous

[ˌhɜːˈbeɪʃəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

botanical

Of, relating to, or characteristic of an herb (typically a plant with a non-woody stem) or herbs in general. Herbaceous plants are known for their soft, green stems.

Synonyms

green, leafy, vegetal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
herbaceous	Typically used in botanical or gardening contexts to describe plants with soft, non-woody stems. It can be technical and less commonly used in everyday language. The garden is filled with various herbaceous plants that bloom in the summer. Herbaceous perennials are a popular choice for low-maintenance gardens.
green	A common term used to describe the color of plants. It can also refer to environmental sustainability or something that is fresh and not yet ripe. Very versatile and widely used in everyday conversations. The fields were vibrant and green after the rainy season. Eating green vegetables is good for your health.
vegetal	A more formal term used to describe something related to vegetables or plants in general. It can appear in culinary contexts or more academic discussions about plant life. The soup has a distinct vegetal flavor. She has been studying vegetal structures in her biology class.
leafy	Often used to describe plants that have a lot of leaves. It can also be used metaphorically to describe areas with a lot of plant life or something providing a lot of shade. They chose a leafy neighborhood with lots of parks. The salad was made from a mix of leafy greens.

Examples of usage

The garden was filled with colorful herbaceous plants.
Herbaceous stems are flexible and bend easily.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

culinary

Of or relating to herbs used in cooking, especially those with soft, non-woody stems. Herbaceous flavors are often fresh, aromatic, and vibrant.

Synonyms

aromatic, flavorful, fragrant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
herbaceous	Use when describing plants or plant parts that are green and leafy, typically when referring to fresh, green flavors that resemble herbs. The herbaceous taste of the parsley complemented the dish beautifully. Herbaceous plants are often used in garden beds for their lush foliage.
flavorful	Ideal for food and drinks that have a rich, strong taste. It emphasizes the taste dimension rather than smell. The stew was incredibly flavorful with a mix of different spices. This cheese is so flavorful; you can tell it's been aged perfectly.
fragrant	Used when something has a pleasant and usually strong smell, often for flowers, perfumes, and sometimes food. The garden was full of fragrant flowers that scented the air. She sprayed some fragrant perfume before heading out.
aromatic	Best for describing something that has a strong and pleasant smell, often used for spices, herbs, and other ingredients in cooking. The aromatic spices filled the kitchen with a delightful scent. She added some aromatic herbs to the soup for an extra layer of flavor.

Examples of usage

The dish had a delicate herbaceous taste.
She enjoyed the herbaceous aroma of the soup.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'herbaceus', meaning 'herb-like' or 'related to grass'.
The prefix 'herb-' is associated with plants that are not woody, emphasizing their softness and greenery.

Botany

Herbaceous plants typically die back to the ground each year, unlike woody plants which maintain a stem.
They can be annual, biennial, or perennial, providing diverse gardening options throughout seasons.

Culinary Uses

Many herbaceous plants, such as basil, cilantro, and parsley, are essential ingredients in cooking due to their flavors.
Herbs can enhance the nutritional value of dishes while providing unique aromas and tastes.

Ecology

Herbaceous plants play critical roles in ecosystems, providing shelter and habitat for various animal species.
They help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the ground with their roots, contributing to ecological balance.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, herb gardens are used not just for cooking, but also for healing and medicinal purposes.
Celebrations and traditions often include fragrant herbs, symbolizing freshness, renewal, and growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "herbaceous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 herbáceo

🇮🇳 शाकीय

🇩🇪 krautig

🇮🇩 herba

🇺🇦 трав'янистий

🇵🇱 zielny

🇯🇵 草本

🇫🇷 herbacé

🇪🇸 herbáceo

🇹🇷 otsu

🇰🇷 초본

🇸🇦 عشبي

🇨🇿 bylinný

🇸🇰 bylinný

🇨🇳 草本的

🇸🇮 zeliščni

🇮🇸 jurtkenndur

🇰🇿 шөптесін

🇬🇪 მცენარეული

🇦🇿 bitki mənşəli

🇲🇽 herbáceo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,049, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16046 polymeric
16047 clayey
16048 insolent
16049 herbaceous
16050 subtlety
16051 inflection
16052 dictation
...