family Apodidae

1 9.4

A group of fast small birds called swifts that spend most of their lives flying

noun
/ˈfæmɪli əˈpoʊdɪdeɪ/

Specialized

: familia Apodidae

The family Apodidae includes over a hundred species of fast-flying birds known as swifts.

Examples

Some members of the family Apodidae are famous for spending most of their lives in flight.
The family Apodidae includes several species of swifts.
Many ornithologists study the migratory patterns within the family Apodidae.
Many birds in the family Apodidae are known for their speed.
Many ornithologists study the migratory patterns within the family Apodidae.
Some members of the family Apodidae are famous for spending most of their lives in flight.
The family Apodidae includes over a hundred species of fast-flying birds known as swifts.

Synonyms

Apodidae

vsfamily Apodidae

Specialized

1 9.9

A family of birds called swifts that fly fast and have long narrow wings

labels the same group by its taxonomic rank rather than just the name

Surface Forms

family Apodidae singular

families Apodidae plural

Morphology

family + Apodidae

The meaning is directly compositional: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with 'Apodidae' (the name of a bird family) yields the taxonomic group of swifts. This follows standard, cross-linguistic naming conventions for taxa, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Family Apodidae comes from old Greek words that mean 'without feet' because these birds have very small legs and hardly use their feet. That's why the name fits the group of birds called 'swifts', which spend most of their lives flying.