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Glite Dictionary
genus Maja

genus Maja

9.9
A group of spider crabs with spiny shells found in many seas
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒiːnəs ˈmɑːjə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Maja
  • The genus Maja includes several species of spider crabs found in temperate and tropical waters.

Examples

  • Marine biologists often study the genus Maja to understand spider crab evolution.

  • Specimens from the genus Maja are notable for their distinctive spiny carapaces.

  • The genus Maja includes several fascinating species of spider crabs.

  • Did you know that the genus Maja is found in all oceans?

  • Marine biologists often study the genus Maja to understand spider crab evolution.

  • The genus Maja includes several species of spider crabs found in temperate and tropical waters.

  • Specimens from the genus Maja are notable for their distinctive spiny carapaces.

Synonyms

Maia
vsgenus Maja
  • Specialized
5 9.9

A group of spider crabs found in many seas

is the same family-defining group but phrased slightly differently
genus Maia
vsgenus Maja
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of crabs that live in the sea in many parts of the world

is more specific, referring to spider crabs that define the family

Surface Forms

genus Maja singular
genera Maja plural

Morphology

genus + Maja

This phrase is transparently compositional: 'genus' (a taxonomic rank) combined with the proper name 'Maja' yields the meaning 'the genus called Maja.' Taxonomic naming conventions are cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Genus Maja comes from scientific naming: genus means a 'group' or 'type', and Maja is the name given to this group of spider crabs. Think of a family called 'Maja' with many spiny, long-legged crabs, and you have the image behind why genus Maja means that group of spider crab species today.