n.
A large family of aromatic herbs, the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae), characterized by compound leaves and small flowers grouped in umbels and including vegetables such as carrots, celery, dill, parsley, and parsnips and spices such as anise, coriander, and cumin.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.