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Glite Dictionary
family Hystricidae

family Hystricidae

9.6
A group of large porcupines from Europe, Asia, and Africa that are active at night
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Hystricidae
  • The family Hystricidae includes several species of large porcupines found across Africa and Asia.

Examples

  • Unlike their New World relatives, members of the family Hystricidae have quills that are not barbed.

  • Biologists are studying the habitat preferences of animals in the family Hystricidae to aid conservation efforts.

  • The family Hystricidae includes several species of porcupines.

  • Many members of the family Hystricidae are nocturnal.

  • The family Hystricidae consists of large rodents that are primarily found in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

  • Members of the family Hystricidae are known for their distinctive quills and nocturnal behavior.

  • Scientists have identified various species within the family Hystricidae that inhabit diverse ecosystems.

Synonyms

Hystricidae
vsfamily Hystricidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of large porcupines from Africa, Europe, and Asia with sharp quills for protection

are mainly nocturnal and native to Europe Asia and Africa

Surface Forms

family Hystricidae singular
families Hystricidae plural

Morphology

family + Hystricidae

The phrase is directly compositional: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Hystricidae' yields the group of rodents called Hystricidae. Taxonomic noun phrases follow a regular, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Family Hystricidae is the scientific name for a group of Old World porcupines. The name Hystricidae comes from an old word meaning 'porcupine' and points to their sharp quills, so the name helps you remember it means the family of these spiny animals.