family Lemuridae

8.5

A group of primates found only in Madagascar that includes typical lemur species

noun
/ˈfæmɪli ləˈmʊrɪdeɪ/

Specialized

: familia Lemuridae

The family Lemuridae includes several species known for their long, bushy tails and large eyes.

Examples

Biologists study the social behavior of the family Lemuridae to learn more about primate evolution.
The family Lemuridae is unique to Madagascar.
Conservation efforts in Madagascar focus on protecting the endangered family Lemuridae.
Many species belong to the family Lemuridae.
Conservation efforts in Madagascar focus on protecting the endangered family Lemuridae.
The family Lemuridae includes several species known for their long, bushy tails and large eyes.
Biologists study the social behavior of the family Lemuridae to learn more about primate evolution.

Synonyms

Lemuridae

vsfamily Lemuridae

Specialized

9.9

A family of primates native to Madagascar that includes the typical lemurs

is the same meaning but expressed with an explicit rank word

Surface Forms

family Lemuridae singular

families Lemuridae plural

Morphology

family + Lemuridae

This is a straightforward taxonomic noun phrase: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Lemuridae', so the overall meaning is directly derivable from its parts. The construction follows common cross-linguistic biological naming patterns (e.g., family Felidae), making it immediately comprehensible to learners who know both constituents.

Etymology

Family Lemuridae may come from the word lemur, which early observers thought meant 'ghost' because these animals have big eyes and make strange night sounds. So family Lemuridae is the name for the group called a 'family' of these lemur animals from Madagascar.