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Glite Dictionary
family Cordylidae

family Cordylidae

9.9
A small group of spiny African lizards with tough scales that give birth to live young
  • noun
  • Specialized
: familia Cordylidae
  • Members of the family Cordylidae have evolved tough, spiny scales as a defense against predators.

Examples

  • Many lizards in the family Cordylidae give birth to live young, unlike most reptiles that lay eggs.

  • Scientists discovered a new species within the family Cordylidae in South Africa.

  • The family Cordylidae includes several unique lizard species.

  • Did you know that the family Cordylidae is known for its armored scales?

  • Many lizards in the family Cordylidae are known for their distinctive armored scales.

  • Members of the family Cordylidae are recognized for their spiny appearance and live births.

  • Researchers study the family Cordylidae to learn more about their unique reproductive methods.

Synonyms

Cordylidae
vsfamily Cordylidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of small, spiny lizards from Africa that give birth to live young

focuses on their armored scales as a distinctive trait

Surface Forms

family Cordylidae singular
families Cordylidae plural

Morphology

family + Cordylidae

This phrase is directly compositional: 'family' as a scientific grouping combined with the taxonomic name 'Cordylidae' yields the meaning 'the taxonomic family called Cordylidae'. Although 'Cordylidae' is a technical proper name, a learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to a family of organisms (here, lizards); taxonomic naming is cross-linguistically regular and thus immediately interpretable.

Etymology

Family Cordylidae may come from the old Greek word 'kordylos', which means 'club'. Many of these African lizards have short, thick tails and rough, spiny scales that look like little clubs or armor, so the name came to describe this family of armored lizards.