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Glite Dictionary
family Osmeridae

family Osmeridae

9.9
A group of small silvery fish called smelts that live in cold northern waters
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli ˌɑːzməˈrɪdi/
  • Specialized
: familia Osmeridae
  • Smelts, belonging to the family Osmeridae, are often an important part of commercial fisheries.

Examples

  • The lifecycle of the family Osmeridae is affected by changes in water temperature and salinity.

  • Did you know that the family Osmeridae is found in cold northern waters?

  • Researchers have discovered several new species within the family Osmeridae in the Arctic region.

  • The family Osmeridae includes various species of smelts.

  • Researchers have discovered several new species within the family Osmeridae in the Arctic region.

  • Smelts, belonging to the family Osmeridae, are often an important part of commercial fisheries.

  • The lifecycle of the family Osmeridae is affected by changes in water temperature and salinity.

Synonyms

Osmeridae
vsfamily Osmeridae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small fish called smelts that live in cold northern waters

focuses on their silvery appearance and colder northern habitat

Surface Forms

family Osmeridae singular
families Osmeridae plural

Morphology

family + Osmeridae

The phrase is a straightforward taxonomic composition: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Osmeridae' yields the family of smelts. Although 'Osmeridae' is a technical/proper name, the meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and follows common cross-linguistic naming patterns, so a learner who knows both words can understand it.

Etymology

Family Osmeridae comes from an old Greek word meaning 'smell' and was given to the small fish called 'smelts' because these fish often have a strong, fishy scent. So today family Osmeridae simply names the group of small, silvery 'smelt' fishes found in cold northern waters.