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Glite Dictionary
Cryptobranchidae

Cryptobranchidae

9.9
A group of very large salamanders that live in water, like hellbenders and giant salamanders
  • noun
  • /ˌkrɪptoʊˈbræŋkɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Cryptobranchidae
  • The family Cryptobranchidae includes the largest salamanders in the world.

Examples

  • Did you know that the Cryptobranchidae are sometimes called hellbenders?

  • Scientists study Cryptobranchidae to understand the evolution of amphibians.

  • Conservationists are concerned about habitat loss affecting Cryptobranchidae populations.

  • The Cryptobranchidae family includes some of the largest salamanders.

  • The family Cryptobranchidae consists of large aquatic salamanders native to North America.

  • Conservationists are concerned about habitat loss affecting Cryptobranchidae populations in rivers.

  • Researchers are documenting the unique behaviors of Cryptobranchidae to ensure their protection.

Surface Forms

Cryptobranchidae singular
Cryptobranchidaes plural

Morphology

Cryptobranchidae = Cryptobranchus (opaque) = cryptobranch + idae

This is a taxonomic family name formed from the genus Cryptobranchus plus the family suffix -idae, which is not semantically transparent to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

The word Cryptobranchidae comes from Greek parts: crypto- meaning 'hidden', branchia meaning 'gills', and the ending -idae meaning 'a family', like Canidae for dogs and Felidae for cats. So Cryptobranchidae means the 'hidden-gilled' family, which fits these large, water salamanders such as hellbenders and giant salamanders that often live hidden under rocks.