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Glite Dictionary
genus Spalax

genus Spalax

9.9
A group of blind mole rats that live underground
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Spalax
  • The genus Spalax includes several species of blind mole rats found in southeastern Europe and the Middle East.

Examples

  • The genus Spalax includes several species of blind mole rats.

  • Scientists have studied the genus Spalax to understand adaptation to underground life.

  • Members of the genus Spalax are notable for their reduced vision and subterranean habitat.

  • Did you know that genus Spalax is known for its underground lifestyle?

  • Members of the genus Spalax are notable for their reduced vision and subterranean habitat.

  • The genus Spalax includes several species of blind mole rats found in southeastern Europe and the Middle East.

  • Scientists have studied the genus Spalax to understand adaptations to their underground lifestyle.

Synonyms

Spalax
vsgenus Spalax
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of blind mole rats that live underground in eastern Europe and western Asia

is the defining family member that names the group of blind mole rats

Surface Forms

genus Spalax singular
genera Spalax plural

Morphology

genus + Spalax

The phrase 'genus Spalax' is compositionally transparent: 'genus' denotes a taxonomic rank and 'Spalax' names the taxon, so the phrase straightforwardly refers to the genus called Spalax (the blind mole rats). Although technical, this follows a common cross-linguistic biological naming pattern and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words.

Etymology

Genus Spalax may come from an old Greek word meaning 'mole'. Because these animals live underground and have very small eyes, the word Spalax paints the simple image of a blind mole rat and so became the name for this group.