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Glite Dictionary
family Alcedinidae

family Alcedinidae

8.5
A group of brightly colored birds called kingfishers with large heads, long sharp beaks, and short legs
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ælˈsiːdɪnaɪdi/
  • Specialized
: familia Alcedinidae
  • The family Alcedinidae includes over 100 species of kingfishers found across the world.

Examples

  • Researchers discovered a new member of the family Alcedinidae in Southeast Asia.

  • Most birds of the family Alcedinidae are known for their striking plumage and fishing skills.

  • The family Alcedinidae includes many colorful species.

  • Did you know that the family Alcedinidae consists of kingfishers?

  • The family Alcedinidae is famous for its vibrant colors and excellent fishing abilities.

  • Many species within the family Alcedinidae can be found near freshwater habitats around the world.

  • Birdwatchers often seek to observe members of the family Alcedinidae due to their striking beauty.

Synonyms

Alcedinidae
vsfamily Alcedinidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of bright small to medium birds called kingfishers with large heads and long pointed bills

uses a fuller descriptive phrase specifying this bird group rather than the single name

Surface Forms

family Alcedinidae singular
families Alcedinidae plural

Morphology

family + Alcedinidae

The phrase is a straightforward compositional taxonomic label: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the family name 'Alcedinidae' directly yields the meaning 'the taxonomic family called Alcedinidae'. This naming pattern is a standard, cross-linguistic scientific convention, so a B1 learner who knows both constituent meanings can reliably infer the MWE's meaning, even if the proper name is specialized.

Etymology

Family Alcedinidae may come from an old word alcedo that meant 'kingfisher'. So the name is used for the group of bright, big-headed birds with long, sharp bills that we call 'kingfishers' today.