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Glite Dictionary
family Rajidae

family Rajidae

9.1
A group of flat sea fish like rays that live on the sea bottom
  • noun
  • Specialized
: familia Rajidae
  • The family Rajidae consists of numerous species of skates, which are often spotted resting on the ocean floor.

Examples

  • Unlike true rays, members of the family Rajidae generally lay eggs in protective cases.

  • The family Rajidae includes many species of skates found worldwide.

  • Researchers discovered a new member of the family Rajidae off the coast of Australia.

  • The family Rajidae includes various species of skates.

  • Many fish enthusiasts admire the family Rajidae for their unique shapes.

  • Scientists study the family Rajidae to understand their ecological role in marine environments.

  • In aquariums, members of the family Rajidae are popular due to their distinctive appearance and gentle nature.

Synonyms

Rajidae
vsfamily Rajidae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of flat sea fish like skates that live on the sea floor

uses a scientific description focusing on cartilaginous bottom-dwelling fish

Surface Forms

family Rajidae singular
families Rajidae plural

Morphology

family + Rajidae

This is a straightforward compositional noun phrase: 'family' (a taxonomic grouping) combined with a taxon name 'Rajidae' denotes the family called Rajidae. The meaning follows a regular, cross-linguistic pattern (family + taxon name) so a learner who knows 'family' and recognizes 'Rajidae' as a taxonomic label can infer it refers to the group of skates.

Etymology

The name family Rajidae comes from the old word raja for a sea fish called a 'skate' and the family ending -idae used to name groups of related animals. So it literally means the 'family of skates', which is why we use it for these bottom-dwelling fish.