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Glite Dictionary
subfamily Lutrinae

subfamily Lutrinae

9.9
A group of mammals that includes river and sea otters
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : subfamilia Lutrinae
  • The subfamily Lutrinae includes the familiar river and sea otters found worldwide.

Examples

  • All species in the subfamily Lutrinae are adapted to life in aquatic environments.

  • Recent studies have revised the classification of the subfamily Lutrinae within the mustelid family.

  • The subfamily Lutrinae includes various species of otters.

  • Did you know that the subfamily Lutrinae is part of the family Mustelidae?

  • The subfamily Lutrinae consists of several species, including the playful sea otters and skilled river otters.

  • Research on the subfamily Lutrinae reveals the evolutionary adaptations that enable otters to thrive in various aquatic habitats.

  • Members of the subfamily Lutrinae are known for their streamlined bodies and webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers.

Synonyms

Lutrinae
vssubfamily Lutrinae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of mammals that includes otters

is the taxonomic phrase referring to the same mammal group

Surface Forms

subfamily Lutrinae singular
subfamilies Lutrinae plural

Morphology

subfamily + Lutrinae

The phrase is fully compositional: 'subfamily' names a taxonomic rank and 'Lutrinae' is the taxon name, so together they mean the subfamily called Lutrinae (the group of otters). Taxonomic naming is a transparent, cross-linguistic convention, so a learner who knows both words can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The name subfamily Lutrinae comes from Latin and the way scientists name animals: Lutrinae comes from the Latin word 'lutra' meaning 'otter', and the ending '-inae' marks a subfamily, a smaller 'group' inside a family. So subfamily Lutrinae simply means the 'group' of animals made up of otters.