bry·a·ce·ae \brīˈāsēˌē\noun plural Usage: capitalized Etymology: New Latin, from Bryum, type genus + -aceae : a family of acrocarpous mosses (order Eubryales) having symmetrical often pendent capsules with a double peristome, the inner one being ciliate — compare bryum • bry·a·ceous\(ˈ)brī|āshəs\adjective