pot·ti·a·ce·ae \ˌpäd.ēˈāsēˌē\noun plural Usage: capitalized Etymology: New Latin, from Pottia, type genus (from J.F.Pott died 1805 German botanist + New Latin -ia) + -aceae : a family of acrocarpous usually low-growing mosses (order Pottiales) whose peristome when present has 16 entire or divided and often twisted teeth