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Glite Dictionary
genus Caenolestes

genus Caenolestes

9.9
A group of small South American mammals called shrew opossums
  • noun
  • Specialized
: género Caenolestes
  • The genus Caenolestes includes several rare marsupials found in South American forests.

Examples

  • Scientists discovered a new species belonging to the genus Caenolestes in the Andes.

  • The genus Caenolestes includes unique species found in the Andes.

  • The dental characteristics of the genus Caenolestes set it apart from other marsupials.

  • Did you know that the genus Caenolestes is also known as shrew opossums?

  • Scientists discovered a new species belonging to the genus Caenolestes in the Andes.

  • The genus Caenolestes includes several rare marsupials found in South American forests.

  • The dental characteristics of the genus Caenolestes set it apart from other marsupials.

Synonyms

Caenolestes
vsgenus Caenolestes
  • Specialized
9.9

A small South American mammal that carries babies in a pouch and has a long head and small eyes

is the same meaning but expressed as a formal taxonomic phrase

Surface Forms

genus Caenolestes singular
genera Caenolestes plural

Morphology

genus + Caenolestes

The phrase is fully compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank) combined with the taxonomic name 'Caenolestes' yields the meaning 'the genus called Caenolestes.' This follows standard cross-linguistic taxonomic naming conventions, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Genus Caenolestes may come from the Greek parts Caeno- and -lestes, meaning 'new' and 'robber'. Imagine a small, quick 'thief' hunting on the forest floor, and that's why scientists gave this name to these shrew-like marsupials.