family Chelonidae

7.9

A group of sea turtles with hard shells, like green turtles and hawksbills

noun
/ˈfæmɪli ˌkɛloʊˈnɪdeɪ/

Specialized

: familia Chelonidae

The family Chelonidae includes species such as the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle.

Examples

Researchers study the migration patterns of turtles in the family Chelonidae.
Many conservation efforts focus on protecting members of the family Chelonidae from extinction.
The family Chelonidae consists of various sea turtle species.
Many species in the family Chelonidae are endangered.
Many conservation efforts focus on protecting members of the family Chelonidae from extinction.
The family Chelonidae includes species such as the green turtle and the hawksbill turtle.
Many species in the family Chelonidae are endangered.

Synonyms

Chelonidae

vsfamily Chelonidae

Specialized

9.5

A group of large sea turtles that includes green and hawksbill turtles

focuses more on hard shells and marine habits than on size

Cheloniidae

vsfamily Chelonidae

Specialized

9.9

A family of large sea turtles like green turtles and hawksbills

stresses fully marine habits and hard shells rather than mostly marine

Surface Forms

family Chelonidae singular

families Chelonidae plural

Morphology

family + Chelonidae

This is a straightforward compositional name: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Chelonidae' yields 'the taxonomic family called Chelonidae (sea turtles)'. The meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and follows common cross-linguistic naming patterns, so a learner who knows both words will understand it.

Etymology

Family Chelonidae comes from the Greek word chelone meaning 'turtle' and the ending -idae, a simple scientific way to mark a 'family' of animals, so it literally means 'turtle family' and names a group of sea turtles.