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Glite Dictionary
family Bathyergidae

family Bathyergidae

9.9
A group of burrowing rodents from Africa that includes mole rats
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˌbæθɪərˈɡɪdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Bathyergidae
  • The family Bathyergidae comprises several genera of subterranean rodents endemic to Africa.

Examples

  • Unlike most rodents, members of the family Bathyergidae are highly adapted to an underground lifestyle.

  • Researchers have studied the social behavior of different species within the family Bathyergidae.

  • The family Bathyergidae includes several unique species.

  • Many animals from the family Bathyergidae are burrowing rodents.

  • Researchers have studied the social behavior of different species within the family Bathyergidae.

  • The family Bathyergidae comprises several genera of subterranean rodents endemic to Africa.

  • Unlike most rodents, members of the family Bathyergidae are highly adapted to an underground lifestyle.

Synonyms

Bathyergidae
vsfamily Bathyergidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of burrowing rodents like mole rats that live underground in Africa

is the formal taxonomic name for that same rodent family

Surface Forms

family Bathyergidae singular
families Bathyergidae plural

Morphology

family + Bathyergidae

The phrase is compositional: 'family' as a taxonomic grouping plus the proper taxon name 'Bathyergidae' yields the meaning 'the family of rodents called Bathyergidae.' A B1 learner who knows both constituents and basic scientific naming conventions (common across languages) can reliably infer this meaning.

Etymology

Family Bathyergidae comes from old Greek parts bathy- ('deep') and erg- ('to dig'), so the name paints the idea of a 'deep digger'. That's why it is used for the African rodents that live in deep underground tunnels.