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Glite Dictionary
family Fregatidae

family Fregatidae

9.9
A group of large tropical sea birds with long wings, forked tails, and males' red throat pouches
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˈfrɛɡəˌteɪdi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Fregatidae
  • Males of the family Fregatidae are known for their bright red throat pouches used during courtship displays.

Examples

  • The family Fregatidae includes several species of frigate birds found in tropical oceans.

  • Researchers studied migration patterns within the family Fregatidae to understand their long-distance flights.

  • Males of the family Fregatidae are known for their bright red throat pouches used in displays.

  • The family Fregatidae includes some of the most agile seabirds.

  • Many species from the family Fregatidae are found in tropical regions.

  • Researchers studied migration patterns within the family Fregatidae to gain insights into their long-distance flights.

  • The family Fregatidae includes several species of frigate birds that inhabit tropical oceans around the world.

Synonyms

Fregatidae
vsfamily Fregatidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large tropical seabirds with long wings and forked tails that often soar over oceans

is the same group but describes the pouch as a distinctive feature

Surface Forms

family Fregatidae singular
families Fregatidae plural

Morphology

family + Fregatidae

The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'family' as a scientific grouping combined with 'Fregatidae' (the taxon name for certain tropical seabirds) directly yields the meaning 'the taxonomic family Fregatidae'. This follows standard, cross-linguistic naming conventions for biological taxa, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Family Fregatidae may come from the word for a fast warship called a 'frigate'. Sailors thought these long-winged sea birds looked like small frigate ships on the water, so the name Fregatidae now refers to the whole family of frigate birds.