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Glite Dictionary
Canis familiaris

Canis familiaris

4.4
A scientific name for the domestic dog
  • noun
  • /ˈkeɪnɪs fəˈmɪliərɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Canis familiaris
  • In biology class, we learned that Canis familiaris is the scientific term for the domestic dog.

Examples

  • Did you know that Canis familiaris is the scientific name for dogs?

  • Researchers compared the DNA of Canis familiaris with that of wild wolves.

  • The veterinarian wrote Canis familiaris on the dog's medical records for accuracy.

  • The Canis familiaris is a loyal companion.

  • In biology class, we learned that Canis familiaris is the scientific term for the domestic dog.

  • The veterinarian wrote Canis familiaris on the dog's medical records for accuracy.

  • Researchers compared the DNA of Canis familiaris with that of wild wolves.

Synonyms

domestic dog
vsCanis familiaris
1 1.0

A dog people keep as a pet or to do work

is the formal scientific name used in zoological classification

Surface Forms

Canis familiaris singular

Morphology

Canis + familiaris

This is a Latin scientific binomial rather than a regular English phrase; knowing 'Canis' as a genus label and an undefined or non-English form 'familiaris' does not let a B1 learner infer the everyday meaning 'domestic dog'. Even though 'familiaris' superficially resembles English 'familiar', taxonomic Latin forms and conventions are language-specific and not transparently compositional for learners without specialist knowledge.

Etymology

Canis familiaris comes from two Latin words: Canis meaning 'dog' and familiaris meaning 'of the household'. So the name paints the picture of a dog that lives with people, which is why scientists use it for the domestic dog.