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Glite Dictionary
genus Cyamus

genus Cyamus

9.9
Small animals like lice that live on whales and feed on their skin
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Cyamus
  • The genus Cyamus is adapted to cling tightly to the skin of its host.

Examples

  • The genus Cyamus consists of small crustaceans known as whale lice that can often be found on the skin of whales.

  • The genus Cyamus includes several species that are found on whales.

  • Infestation by species in the genus Cyamus can reveal much about whale health.

  • Scientists studying whales often examine the genus Cyamus to learn about parasitic relationships.

  • Did you know that the genus Cyamus is commonly referred to as whale lice?

  • Researchers have identified numerous species within the genus Cyamus that specifically parasitize different types of whales.

  • Understanding the genus Cyamus is crucial for studying the health and ecology of whale populations.

Synonyms

Cyamus
vsgenus Cyamus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small sea animal like a crab that lives on whales and eats their skin

is the general term for small crustacean parasites that live on whales

Surface Forms

genus Cyamus singular
genera Cyamus plural

Morphology

genus + Cyamus

The phrase is a compositional taxonomic label: 'genus' denotes a biological rank and 'Cyamus' is the name of the group (whale lice), so the overall meaning — the genus named Cyamus comprising certain whale lice species — is directly derivable from the constituents. The 'genus X' construction is a standard, cross-linguistic scientific pattern, making it immediately comprehensible to learners who know both words.

Etymology

Genus Cyamus may come from the old Greek word 'kyamos' meaning 'bean', because the small, round animals look a little like tiny beans stuck to a whale's skin, so Cyamus is used for the 'whale lice' that cling to whales.