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Glite Dictionary
family Arcidae

family Arcidae

9.7
A group of sea animals with two thick, box-shaped shells
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Arcidae
  • The family Arcidae consists of unique marine bivalves known for their robust, rectangular shells.

Examples

  • The family Arcidae includes species that are commonly found in warm, shallow marine waters.

  • Many shells from the family Arcidae are collected for their attractive patterns and sturdy form.

  • Zoologists studied the family Arcidae to understand their adaptation to different marine environments.

  • The family Arcidae includes various species of ark shells.

  • Did you know that the family Arcidae has over 200 species?

  • Members of the family Arcidae are often found buried in sandy substrates of coastal waters.

  • The family Arcidae showcases a remarkable variety of shell shapes and sizes among its species.

Synonyms

Arcidae
vsfamily Arcidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of sea animals with two strong, ribbed shells like a rectangular clam

emphasizes thick shells with a rectangular shape rather than ribs

Surface Forms

family Arcidae singular
families Arcidae plural

Morphology

family + Arcidae

This noun phrase is transparently compositional: 'family' (a taxonomic grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Arcidae' yields 'the family of Arcidae' meaning a group of ark-shell species. It follows standard scientific naming patterns (common across languages), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would be able to derive the meaning.

Etymology

Family Arcidae gets its name from the old genus name Arca, which means 'ark' or small box, because the shells look like little wooden arks or chests with straight, strong sides. That's why the name is used for a group of related sea-shell species with that box-like shape.