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Glite Dictionary
family Cinclidae

family Cinclidae

9.2
A group of small birds that live by fast streams and dive for insects
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˈsɪŋklɪdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: familia Cinclidae
  • The family Cinclidae includes birds that are specially adapted to life in and around fast-flowing streams.

Examples

  • Unlike most passerines, the family Cinclidae displays remarkable swimming and diving abilities.

  • The family Cinclidae includes several species of dippers.

  • Researchers observed members of the family Cinclidae diving underwater in search of insects.

  • Many birds in the family Cinclidae are known for their unique swimming abilities.

  • Researchers observed members of the family Cinclidae diving underwater in search of insects.

  • The family Cinclidae includes birds that are specially adapted to life in and around fast-flowing streams.

  • Many birds in the family Cinclidae are known for their unique swimming abilities.

Synonyms

Cinclidae
vsfamily Cinclidae
  • Specialized
9.9

Small birds that live near fast-moving streams and dive into water for insects

is the same meaning but expressed as a fuller phrase including family word

Surface Forms

family Cinclidae singular
families Cinclidae plural

Morphology

family + Cinclidae

The phrase combines the noun 'family' (a taxonomic grouping) with the proper name 'Cinclidae' (aquatic birds), so its meaning 'the taxonomic family consisting of those birds' is directly derivable from the parts. This is a standard, compositional naming pattern in taxonomy and in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand it.

Etymology

The name family Cinclidae may come from an old Greek word 'kinklos' for a small water bird. These birds are called 'dippers' or 'water ouzels' because they dive and walk on rocks in fast streams, so the name points to their swimming and diving way of life.