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Glite Dictionary
family Ctenizidae

family Ctenizidae

9.9
A group of large spiders that dig burrows and make trapdoors over them
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia Ctenizidae
  • The family Ctenizidae includes several species known for their ingenious trapdoor burrows.

Examples

  • The family Ctenizidae includes some of the largest burrowing spiders.

  • Researchers discovered a new member of the family Ctenizidae in Australia last year.

  • Members of the family Ctenizidae play an important role in controlling insect populations.

  • Many members of the family Ctenizidae are known for their unique trapdoors.

  • The family Ctenizidae is recognized for its unique ability to create trapdoors over their burrows.

  • Many species within the family Ctenizidae are excellent hunters, using their trapdoors to catch prey.

  • In habitats around the world, the family Ctenizidae helps maintain ecological balance by managing insect populations.

Synonyms

Ctenizidae
vsfamily Ctenizidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of large spiders that dig burrows with trapdoor entrances

is the same term but written with an explicit taxonomic label

Surface Forms

family Ctenizidae singular
families Ctenizidae plural

Morphology

family + Ctenizidae

The phrase combines the common noun 'family' (a scientific grouping) with the taxonomic name 'Ctenizidae' (a group of trapdoor spiders), so its meaning as the taxonomic family containing those spiders is directly derivable from the parts. Taxonomic constructions like 'family X' are cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

Family Ctenizidae gets its name from spiders that build a small hidden door over their home in the ground, a 'trapdoor' they use to hide and catch insects. So the name now means 'a family of large burrowing spiders known for constructing trapdoors'.