Herbaceous
/hɜːrˈbeɪʃəs/noun
Relating to or resembling a herb, especially a plant with soft, non-woody stems.
Did you know?The Latin root herba meant “grass” or “green crop,” connecting the modern botanical term to the ritual and medicinal herbs gathered throughout classical history.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Latin
Latin
herba
“Grass, herbage, or a green plant”
Classical Latin
Latin
herbaceus
“Grassy, herb-like, or made of herbs”
Late Latin
Latin
herbaceus
“Having the character or nature of a herb”
Middle English
English
herbaceous
“Herb-like or resembling grass and plants”
17th Century
English
herbaceous
“Having a soft, non-woody stem, especially in botanical description”
Modern English
English
herbaceous
“Describing plants or vegetation that are soft-stemmed rather than woody”