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Glite Dictionary
family Geomyidae

family Geomyidae

9.9
A group of burrowing rodents like pocket gophers that live in North America
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˌdʒiːoʊˈmaɪdi/
  • Specialized
: familia Geomyidae
  • Members of the family Geomyidae are often called pocket gophers due to their distinctive cheek pouches.

Examples

  • The family Geomyidae consists mainly of burrowing rodents native to North America.

  • The family Geomyidae includes several species of pocket gophers.

  • Biologists have conducted extensive research on the fossorial habits of the family Geomyidae.

  • Many members of the family Geomyidae are found in North America.

  • Biologists have conducted extensive research on the family Geomyidae, which includes various species of pocket gophers.

  • Members of the family Geomyidae are often distinguished by their burrowing lifestyles and characteristic cheek pouches.

  • The family Geomyidae comprises burrowing rodents that are primarily found in North America.

Synonyms

Geomyidae
vsfamily Geomyidae
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A group of burrowing rodents like pocket gophers that live in North and Central America

restricts native range to North America rather than Central America

Surface Forms

family Geomyidae singular
families Geomyidae plural

Morphology

family + Geomyidae

This is a straightforward taxonomic noun phrase: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the proper name 'Geomyidae' yields the meaning 'the taxonomic family called Geomyidae.' The composition follows regular naming patterns found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Family Geomyidae comes from old Greek parts geo meaning 'earth' and mys meaning 'mouse', so it literally means 'earth mouse'. That image helps you remember these are small rodents that dig underground, which is why they are called 'burrowing' rodents or 'pocket gophers'.