genus Ceryle
- noun
- /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈsɛrɪli/
- Specialized
- The genus Ceryle includes several species of kingfishers found near rivers and lakes.
Examples
-
The genus Ceryle is characterized by birds with strong bills adapted for catching fish.
-
The genus Ceryle includes several species of kingfishers.
-
Ornithologists recently discovered a new member of the genus Ceryle in South America.
-
Did you know that the genus Ceryle has unique fishing techniques?
-
Ornithologists recently discovered a new member of the genus Ceryle, which is known for its excellent fishing abilities.
-
The genus Ceryle includes several species of kingfishers that are often seen diving into water to catch fish.
-
Birdwatchers love to observe the distinctive appearance of birds from the genus Ceryle as they hunt near freshwater bodies.
Synonyms
A group of birds in the kingfisher family including the belted kingfisher
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank grouping species) combined with the taxon name 'Ceryle' yields 'the genus called Ceryle' — a group of kingfisher species. This taxonomic naming pattern is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Genus Ceryle may come from an old Greek word for a small water bird, because these kingfishers hunt and catch fish with their strong bills. So the name helps you remember that this 'group' of birds lives by rivers and eats fish.