Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
subfamily Emberizinae

subfamily Emberizinae

9.9
A group of small songbirds like buntings and some sparrows
  • noun
  • /sʌbˈfæmɪli ˌɛmˈbɛrɪzaɪni/
  • Specialized
translation icon : subfamilia Emberizinae
  • The subfamily Emberizinae includes various species of buntings.

Examples

  • New World sparrows once classified under subfamily Emberizinae have recently been reassigned.

  • The biologist studied the plumage differences among birds in the subfamily Emberizinae.

  • Many species within the subfamily Emberizinae are known for their melodious songs.

  • Many birds in the subfamily Emberizinae are known for their vibrant colors.

  • The biologist studied the plumage differences among birds in the subfamily Emberizinae.

  • Many birds in the subfamily Emberizinae are known for their vibrant colors.

  • The subfamily Emberizinae includes various species of buntings.

Synonyms

subfamily Emberizidae
vssubfamily Emberizinae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small birds like buntings and some sparrows that eat seeds

is a lower rank within that group and more specific in classification
Emberizidae
vssubfamily Emberizinae
  • Specialized
9.9

Group of small songbirds like buntings and sparrows

is a smaller subordinate group inside that family

Surface Forms

subfamily Emberizinae singular
subfamilies Emberizinae plural

Morphology

subfamily + Emberizinae

The term 'subfamily' is transparently a taxonomic rank below family, so a learner who knows that word can infer the phrase denotes a named subgroup. However, 'Emberizinae' is a Latin taxonomic name with no compositional lexical meaning, so learners cannot deduce which birds or characteristics it refers to without prior exposure. Because the grammatical relation is clear but the specific referent is opaque, this is best classified as partially transparent.

Etymology

Subfamily Emberizinae uses subfamily to mean a smaller 'group' inside a larger bird family, so picture a family tree branch holding the buntings and some New World sparrows. That's why the term refers to that group of birds today.