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Glite Dictionary
family Xiphiidae

family Xiphiidae

9.5
A group of large ocean fish with long flat bills like swords that hunt other fish
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli zɪˈfaɪɪdi/
  • Specialized
: familia Xiphiidae
  • Members of the family Xiphiidae are known for their elongated, sword-like bills.

Examples

  • The family Xiphiidae contains only one living species, the swordfish.

  • The family Xiphiidae includes some of the fastest fish in the ocean.

  • Biologists have studied the migratory patterns of the family Xiphiidae for decades.

  • Did you know that the family Xiphiidae is known for its unique hunting techniques?

  • Members of the family Xiphiidae are known for their unique, sword-like bills that distinguish them from other fish.

  • The family Xiphiidae includes the swordfish, which can swim at high speeds in open waters.

  • Research on the family Xiphiidae has revealed insights into their migratory behaviors and hunting strategies.

Synonyms

Xiphiidae
vsfamily Xiphiidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large sea fish with long sword-shaped jaws

focuses on large predatory marine fish with long flat swordlike bills

Surface Forms

family Xiphiidae singular
families Xiphiidae plural

Morphology

family + Xiphiidae

The phrase is fully compositional: 'family' as a taxonomic grouping combined with the proper taxon name 'Xiphiidae' yields the meaning 'the taxonomic family called Xiphiidae (swordfishes)'. This naming pattern is common in scientific language and across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Family Xiphiidae — The name family Xiphiidae comes from the Greek word xiphos, which means 'sword'. That's because these large fish have long, flat bills like a sword, and 'family' shows they are a group of related swordfish.