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Glite Dictionary
Hyaenidae

Hyaenidae

9.9
A family of meat-eating mammals like hyenas that live in Africa and Asia
  • noun
  • /ˌhaɪəˈniːdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Hyaenidae
  • The Hyaenidae family includes four species of hyenas.

Examples

  • The Hyaenidae family is known for its unique bone-crushing jaws.

  • Researchers have identified four living species within the Hyaenidae.

  • Fossils indicate that ancient members of Hyaenidae were once found in Europe as well.

  • Did you know that Hyaenidae are often misunderstood?

  • The Hyaenidae family is known for its scavenging behavior and strength.

  • Researchers have identified four living species within the Hyaenidae, including the spotted hyena.

  • Fossils indicate that ancient members of Hyaenidae inhabited parts of Europe in prehistoric times.

Synonyms

family Hyaenidae
vsHyaenidae
  • Specialized
8.3

A group of animals that includes hyenas, medium-sized meat-eating mammals from Africa and Asia

is the same taxonomic family term but without the size detail

Compounds

family Hyaenidae
  • Specialized
8.3

A group of animals that includes hyenas, medium-sized meat-eating mammals from Africa and Asia

Surface Forms

Hyaenidae singular
Hyaenidaes plural

Morphology

Hyaenidae = hyena (semi-transparent) = hyaen + idae

The relation to 'hyena' is clear, but the suffix '-idae' is a specialized biological family marker that many learners will not know.

Etymology

The word Hyaenidae comes from the familiar animal name hyena and the Greek word hyaina, which means 'hyena'. The ending -idae means 'family of' in scientific names, so Hyaenidae literally means the 'family of hyenas'.