Osmeridae

9.9

A group of small fish called smelts that live in cold northern waters

noun
/ˌɒzməˈrɪdi/

Specialized

: Osmeridae

Species in the Osmeridae family are an important food source for larger fish.

Examples

Biologists studied the migration patterns of Osmeridae in Alaskan rivers.
Members of Osmeridae are known for their delicate flavor and are sought after by anglers.
The Osmeridae family includes several species of fish.
Many anglers enjoy fishing for Osmeridae during the winter months.
Biologists studied the migration patterns of Osmeridae in Alaskan rivers.
Members of Osmeridae are known for their delicate flavor and are sought after by anglers.
Many anglers enjoy fishing for Osmeridae during the winter months.

Synonyms

family Osmeridae

vsOsmeridae

Specialized

9.9

A group of small silvery fish called smelts that live in cold northern waters

is the same term but presented without the explicit family label

Compounds

family Osmeridae

Specialized

9.9

A group of small silvery fish called smelts that live in cold northern waters

Surface Forms

Osmeridae singular

Osmeridae plural

Morphology

Osmeridae = Osmerus (opaque) = osmer + idae

The suffix '-idae' is a specialized taxonomic marker meaning 'family' that is not productive or familiar to average learners, so the meaning cannot be derived from the parts without domain-specific knowledge.

Etymology

Osmeridae comes from the Greek root osme meaning 'smell' and the ending -idae meaning 'family'. It is the family name for the smelts, small fish that often have a strong scent, so the name links to their smell.