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Glite Dictionary
family Physeteridae

family Physeteridae

9.1
A group of large sea mammals like sperm whales
  • noun
  • /ˈfæmɪli faɪˈsɛtərɪdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: familia Physeteridae
  • The family Physeteridae includes the largest toothed whales.

Examples

  • Did you know that the family Physeteridae consists of sperm whales?

  • The family Physeteridae includes the largest species of toothed whales.

  • Members of the family Physeteridae are known for their ability to dive to great depths.

  • Scientists study the evolution of the family Physeteridae to understand deep-sea adaptations.

  • The family Physeteridae is famous for the sperm whale, which can weigh up to 56 tons.

  • Researchers are fascinated by the family Physeteridae due to its unique social structure and behavior.

  • The family Physeteridae showcases remarkable adaptations for survival in deep ocean environments.

Synonyms

Physeteridae
vsfamily Physeteridae
  • Specialized
9.9

A family of large whales with teeth that includes the sperm whale

refers mainly to the living marine mammals rather than extinct relatives

Surface Forms

family Physeteridae singular
families Physeteridae plural

Morphology

family + Physeteridae

This is a straightforward taxonomic construction: 'family' (a scientific grouping) combined with the taxon name 'Physeteridae' yields the family that contains sperm whales. Given knowledge of both constituents, a B1 learner can readily infer it refers to the biological family including sperm whales; the pattern 'family + taxon name' is standard and cross-linguistically familiar, so the meaning is transparent.

Etymology

Family Physeteridae is the scientific name for the group of large whales called 'sperm whales'. The word Physeteridae may come from an old word meaning 'blower', so imagine a family of big whales blowing at the sea surface—this picture helps explain why the name means that group of related whales.