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Glite Dictionary
Mephitinae

Mephitinae

9.9
A group of mammals that includes skunks and similar animals
  • noun
  • /ˌmɛfɪˈtaɪni/
  • Specialized
: Mephitinae
  • Skunks, members of the Mephitinae, are known for their ability to spray a foul-smelling liquid as a defense mechanism.

Examples

  • The Mephitinae subfamily is distinguished by the presence of well-developed scent glands.

  • Skunks, which are part of the Mephitinae subfamily, are famous for their potent spray used to deter predators.

  • Taxonomists sometimes debate whether Mephitinae should be classified within the Mustelidae family or as a separate family, Mephitidae.

  • The Mephitinae family includes various species of skunks.

  • Did you know that Mephitinae can spray a foul-smelling liquid?

  • The Mephitinae subfamily includes animals like skunks that are known for their distinctive black and white coloration.

  • In the wild, members of the Mephitinae family use their strong scent as a way to warn off threats.

Surface Forms

Mephitinae singular
Mephitinaes plural

Morphology

Mephitinae = Mephitis (opaque) = Mephitis + inae

Formed by adding the Latin taxonomic suffix '-inae' to a genus name; the suffix is specialized and not productive in general English, so the meaning is not apparent to an average learner.

Etymology

The word Mephitinae comes from the old root mephit-, meaning 'bad smell'. So it names the group of skunks and their relatives, animals known for spraying a strong, bad scent from their scent glands.