Origin: 1825–35; < Neo-LatinRanunculace(ae) name of family (Ranuncul(us) genus name (Latinrānunculus little frog; rān(a) frog + -unculus diminutive suffix, extracted from n-stem derivatives; see homunculus) + -aceae-aceae) + -ous
of, relating to, or belonging to the Ranunculaceae, a N temperate family of flowering plants typically having flowers with five petals and numerous anthers and styles. The family includes the buttercup, clematis, hellebore, and columbine