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Glite Dictionary
family Spalacidae

family Spalacidae

9.9
A group of small mammals like mole-rats that live underground
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Spalacidae
  • The family Spalacidae includes several subterranean rodents adapted to life underground.

Examples

  • Adaptations to low-oxygen environments are common among members of the family Spalacidae.

  • Researchers have discovered new species belonging to the family Spalacidae in Eastern Europe.

  • The family Spalacidae includes various species of mole-rats.

  • Did you know that the family Spalacidae is found in many parts of Asia?

  • Researchers have discovered new species belonging to the family Spalacidae in Eastern Europe.

  • The family Spalacidae includes several subterranean rodents adapted to life underground.

  • Did you know that the family Spalacidae is found in many parts of Asia?

Synonyms

Spalacidae
vsfamily Spalacidae
  • Specialized
9.9

Small mammals like rats that live underground and dig tunnels in Europe, Asia and Africa

is a general listing of its member groups without habitat or range

Surface Forms

family Spalacidae singular
families Spalacidae plural

Morphology

family + Spalacidae

The phrase is a straightforward taxonomic composition: 'family' (a scientific grouping) plus the taxon name 'Spalacidae' yields 'the family Spalacidae' meaning a group of related rodents. Taxonomic noun phrases are compositionally transparent and follow a regular pattern found across languages, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Family Spalacidae comes from the ancient Greek word Spalax, meaning 'mole', and it groups animals like blind mole-rats and zokors that live in tunnels. So thinking of a 'mole' family helps you remember that family Spalacidae means this group of burrowing rodents.