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family Muscidae

family Muscidae

7.6
A group of flies like the common housefly that live near people
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˈmʌsɪdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: familia Muscidae
  • Did you know that the family Muscidae contains the housefly?

Examples

  • Scientists study the family Muscidae to understand disease transmission.

  • The family Muscidae includes many species found around human habitation.

  • Members of the family Muscidae are known for their rapid breeding cycles.

  • The family Muscidae includes many common flies.

  • The family Muscidae includes the common housefly, a familiar sight in many households.

  • Members of the family Muscidae are often found in areas where food is present.

  • Researchers are investigating the family Muscidae to learn more about their ecological roles.

Synonyms

Muscidae
vsfamily Muscidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of flies with two wings, including the common housefly

is the same taxonomic group but presented in a more formal full phrase

Surface Forms

Morphology

family + Muscidae

The phrase is a straightforward taxonomic NP combining 'family' (a scientific grouping) with the taxon name 'Muscidae'; knowing both constituents allows a learner to infer it refers to the family of flies called Muscidae (including houseflies). This compositional pattern is regular in scientific nomenclature and cross-linguistically common, so the meaning is directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

The name family Muscidae comes from Latin: musca meaning 'fly' and the ending -idae that marks a family or group. So, family Muscidae simply names the group of flies such as the common housefly.