mal·va·ce·ae \malˈvāsēˌē\noun plural Usage: capitalized Etymology: New Latin, from Malva, type genus + -aceae : a family of herbs, shrubs, and trees (order Malvales) characterized by monadelphous stamens and one-celled anthers — compare cotton, okra • mal·va·ceous\(ˈ) ̷ ̷|vāshəs\adjective