Mēl'an-thā'ce-æ, n. pl.

n. pl. [Gr. μελανθής, with black blossoms, from μέλας, black, and ἄνθος, flower.] (Bot.) An order of liliaceous plants, having flowers in some species resembling crocuses, in others, lilies, the roots being bulbs, corms, or fasciculated. Most of the plants of the order are characterized by acrid, poisonous qualities.