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Glite Dictionary
family Hirudinidae

family Hirudinidae

9.9
A group of leech species that includes the leech used in medicine
  • noun
  • Specialized
: familia Hirudinidae
  • The family Hirudinidae includes the well-known medicinal leech used in clinical therapies.

Examples

  • Members of the family Hirudinidae are characterised by their ability to secrete anticoagulant substances.

  • Scientists discovered a new species belonging to the family Hirudinidae in freshwater habitats.

  • The family Hirudinidae includes the medicinal leech.

  • Many species belong to the family Hirudinidae.

  • The family Hirudinidae includes species that are commonly used in medical treatments.

  • Researchers are studying the family Hirudinidae to understand their unique properties in blood suction.

  • In the family Hirudinidae, the medicinal leech is famous for its therapeutic applications.

Synonyms

Hirudinidae
vsfamily Hirudinidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of leeches, some used in medicine to remove blood

has identical meaning but mentions a specific medicinal species and its relatives

Surface Forms

family Hirudinidae singular
families Hirudinidae plural

Morphology

family + Hirudinidae

The phrase combines the general noun 'family' (a taxonomic grouping) with the taxon name 'Hirudinidae' (a group of leeches), so its meaning — the taxonomic family of Hirudinidae leeches — follows directly from the constituents. This compositional pattern (rank + scientific name) is standard in biology and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words would understand it.

Etymology

Family Hirudinidae comes from the Latin word hirudo, which means 'leech'. Think of it as a family: a group of related leech species including the medicinal leech that share traits like making a substance that keeps blood flowing, so the name tells us this group is all true leeches.