family Bovidae
- noun
- /ˈfæmɪli ˈboʊvɪdeɪ/
- Specialized
- Cattle, sheep, and goats are all members of the family Bovidae.
Examples
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Unlike deer, species in the family Bovidae do not shed their horns annually.
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The family Bovidae is one of the most diverse families of large mammals.
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The family Bovidae includes various species of hoofed mammals.
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Did you know that the family Bovidae consists of cattle and sheep?
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Cattle, sheep, and goats are all members of the family Bovidae.
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The family Bovidae is one of the most diverse families of large mammals.
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The family Bovidae includes various species of hoofed mammals.
Synonyms
A family of animals with hooves that includes cattle, sheep, goats, and antelopes
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward taxonomic label composed of 'family' (a scientific grouping) and 'Bovidae' (the bovine family), so the meaning is directly derived from the constituents. A B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to the family of Bovidae (hoofed mammals); taxonomic naming follows similar patterns cross-linguistically, reinforcing transparency.
Etymology
Family Bovidae comes from Latin parts bov- (from the Latin word 'bos', meaning 'cow' or 'ox') and -idae (an ending scientists use for animal families), so it literally means the 'cow family' and is used for animals like cattle, sheep, goats and antelopes.