(n)a family of tropical American plants of order Xyridales including several (as the pineapple) of economic importance, Syn.family Bromeliaceae, pineapple family
(n)an abnormality of development in which the upper part of an arm or leg is missing so the hands or feet are attached to the body like stumps; rare condition that results from taking thalidomide during pregnancy, Syn.seal limbs
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
a. [ Named after Olaf Bromel, a Swedish botanist. ] (Bot.) Pertaining to, or resembling, a family of endogenous and mostly epiphytic or saxicolous plants of which the genera Tillandsia and Billbergia are examples. The pineapple, though terrestrial, is also of this family. [ 1913 Webster ]