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Glite Dictionary
family Callithricidae

family Callithricidae

9.9
Small monkeys like marmosets that live in Central and South America
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˌkælɪˈθrɪkɪdi/
  • Specialized
: familia Callithricidae
  • The family Callithricidae includes a variety of marmosets with unique adaptations to their arboreal lifestyle.

Examples

  • Researchers study the social behavior of monkeys within the family Callithricidae.

  • Many species in the family Callithricidae are threatened by habitat loss in South America.

  • The family Callithricidae is known for its small size.

  • Many species belong to the family Callithricidae.

  • Many species in the family Callithricidae are threatened by habitat loss in South America.

  • The family Callithricidae includes a variety of marmosets with unique adaptations to their arboreal lifestyle.

  • Researchers study the social behavior of monkeys within the family Callithricidae.

Synonyms

Callithricidae
vsfamily Callithricidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of small monkeys from South and Central America that includes marmosets and tamarins

focuses on a single small monkey group native to Central and South America

Surface Forms

family Callithricidae singular
families Callithricidae plural

Morphology

family + Callithricidae

This is a straightforward taxonomic noun phrase: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Callithricidae' yields the meaning 'the family Callithricidae (marmosets/tamarins)'. Taxonomic naming is compositional and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will be able to infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Family Callithricidae comes from the old genus name Callithrix, which may come from Greek words meaning 'beautiful hair' and paints a picture of the marmosets' showy fur and ear tufts. So, the name helps you remember it is a 'family' of small, furry New World monkeys.