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Glite Dictionary
family Ploceidae

family Ploceidae

9.9
A group of small birds mainly from Africa that make woven nests
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˈploʊsiˌiːdeɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Ploceidae
  • The family Ploceidae includes numerous species of weaverbirds noted for their intricate nest-building abilities.

Examples

  • The bright plumage and complex nests distinguish the family Ploceidae from other small bird families.

  • Birdwatchers in Africa often hope to spot members of the family Ploceidae near wetlands and grasslands.

  • The family Ploceidae includes many species of weaverbirds.

  • Did you know that the family Ploceidae is known for its intricate nests?

  • Birdwatchers in Africa often hope to spot members of the family Ploceidae near wetlands and grasslands.

  • The family Ploceidae includes numerous species of weaverbirds noted for their intricate nest-building abilities.

  • The bright plumage and complex nests distinguish the family Ploceidae from other small bird families.

Synonyms

weaver
vsfamily Ploceidae
1 7.5

A small bird that makes hanging nests from grass and twigs

describes the whole family rather than a single bird type
Ploceidae
vsfamily Ploceidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of small, colorful birds found in Africa and Asia that weave elaborate nests

emphasizes a mainly African distribution rather than a broader Africa and Asia range
weaverbird
vsfamily Ploceidae
  • Indian
8.8

A small African or Asian bird that builds woven nests in groups

highlights mainly African presence rather than equal Africa and Asia presence
weaver finch
vsfamily Ploceidae
8.4

A small African or Asian bird that makes complex nests from grass and twigs and lives in groups

refers to the whole family rather than one seed-eating species

Surface Forms

family Ploceidae singular
families Ploceidae plural

Morphology

family + Ploceidae

The phrase simply combines the common noun 'family' (a taxonomic grouping) with the scientific name 'Ploceidae', so its meaning — the bird family called Ploceidae (weaverbirds) — is directly recoverable from the parts. This taxonomic naming pattern is regular and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The name family Ploceidae comes from an old word, Ploceidae, meaning 'weaving' because these small birds weave tight, hanging nests. So today family Ploceidae refers to the group of small 'weaver' birds known for their bright colors and complex nests.