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Glite Dictionary
Caenolestidae

Caenolestidae

9.9
A family of small mammals that carry their young in a pouch and look like shrews from southern South America
  • noun
  • Specialized
: Caenolestidae
  • The Caenolestidae are sometimes referred to as shrew opossums because of their resemblance to true shrews.

Examples

  • Scientists have discovered new species within the Caenolestidae in the Andes mountains.

  • Members of the Caenolestidae family are rarely seen due to their elusive nature.

  • The Caenolestidae family includes several unique species.

  • Did you know that Caenolestidae are often called shrew opossums?

  • Members of the Caenolestidae family are rarely seen due to their elusive nature.

  • Scientists have discovered new species within the Caenolestidae in the Andes mountains.

  • The Caenolestidae are sometimes referred to as shrew opossums because of their resemblance to true shrews.

Synonyms

family Caenolestidae
vsCaenolestidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small pouched mammals like shrew opossums in South America

emphasizes their shrew like appearance rather than the common name

Compounds

family Caenolestidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small pouched mammals like shrew opossums in South America

Surface Forms

Caenolestidae singular
Caenolestidaes plural

Etymology

Caenolestidae comes from Greek parts caeno- meaning 'new' and -lestes meaning 'robber'. These are small, shrew-like pouched mammals from southern South America that hunt insects and tiny animals, so thinking of them as 'new robbers' helps you remember the family's name.