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Glite Dictionary
family Chimaeridae

family Chimaeridae

9.9
A group of deep ocean fish with skeletons made of cartilage called ghost sharks
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli kɪˈmɛrɪdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: familia Chimaeridae
  • The family Chimaeridae includes several species of ghost sharks found in deep ocean waters.

Examples

  • Members of the family Chimaeridae are distinguished by their long, tapering bodies and cartilaginous skeletons.

  • Did you know the family Chimaeridae is often called ghost sharks?

  • Scientists have studied the unique reproductive habits of the family Chimaeridae.

  • The family Chimaeridae includes fascinating species like the shortnose chimaera.

  • The family Chimaeridae is known for its remarkable adaptations to deep-sea environments.

  • Researchers have recently discovered new species within the family Chimaeridae that inhabit underwater caves.

  • Due to their elusive nature, members of the family Chimaeridae are seldom seen by divers.

Synonyms

Chimaeridae
vsfamily Chimaeridae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of deep-water fish like ghost sharks with soft skeletons

is the same family but adds common names including ghost sharks

Surface Forms

family Chimaeridae singular
families Chimaeridae plural

Morphology

family + Chimaeridae

This is a compositional taxonomic noun phrase: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the proper taxon name 'Chimaeridae' yields the meaning 'the taxonomic family called Chimaeridae.' Although the term is specialized, its overall meaning follows standard naming conventions and is directly derivable from the constituents, so a learner who knows both words will understand it.

Etymology

Family Chimaeridae comes from the old myth of the chimaera, a creature made of parts of different animals, because these fishes have a strange mix of features. They are often called 'ghost sharks' since they live deep and look pale, so the name is used for this group of odd, shark-like fish.