herbaceous
Definitions
(of a plant) having a soft, green stem rather than a woody one; relating to herbs.
（植物）草本的；茎柔软翠绿而非木质的；与草本植物有关的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedherb (plant) + -aceous (having the nature of) = 'plant-like.' In botany it carries a precise sense: a herbaceous plant has a soft green stem and dies back to the ground each year, in contrast to woody shrubs and trees. The woody-vs-soft distinction is the whole point.
Root herb still carries 4 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.herbaceous plant草本植物
- 2.herbaceous border草本花境
- 3.herbaceous perennial草本多年生植物
- 4.herbaceous stem草本茎
Example Sentences
- 1.
A herbaceous plant has a soft stem and usually dies back to the ground in winter.
- 2.
The garden featured a long herbaceous border full of colorful perennials.
Easily Confused
herbaceous vs woody — These are the two basic plant types. Herbaceous = soft green stem that dies back (most flowers, vegetables). Woody = hard, persistent stem (trees, shrubs). If the stem survives winter as visible wood, it's woody, not herbaceous.