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Glite Dictionary
genus Liopelma

genus Liopelma

9.9
A small group of ancient frogs that live only in New Zealand
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs liˈoʊpɛlmə/
  • Specialized
: género Liopelma
  • The New Zealand frog belonging to the genus Liopelma is considered one of the world's most primitive frogs.

Examples

  • All living species in the genus Liopelma are found only in New Zealand.

  • Many scientists study the genus Liopelma for its evolutionary significance.

  • Researchers have discovered new details about the evolutionary history of the genus Liopelma.

  • The genus Liopelma is unique to New Zealand.

  • All living species in the genus Liopelma are found only in New Zealand.

  • The New Zealand frog belonging to the genus Liopelma is considered one of the world's most primitive frogs.

  • Researchers have discovered new details about the evolutionary history of the genus Liopelma.

Synonyms

Liopelma
vsgenus Liopelma
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of primitive frogs that live only in New Zealand

is identical in meaning but uses an alternative orthographic form
Leiopelma
vsgenus Liopelma
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of ancient frogs found only in New Zealand

is identical in meaning but represents the name with a different form

Surface Forms

genus Liopelma singular
genera Liopelma plural

Morphology

genus + Liopelma

This is a straightforward taxonomic noun phrase: combining 'genus' (a biological rank) with the proper name 'Liopelma' yields the meaning 'the genus called Liopelma'. Scientific naming is compositional and cross-linguistically regular, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

Genus Liopelma may come from ancient Greek parts leio and pelma, which mean 'smooth' and 'sole of the foot'. This gives a clear picture of a frog with a smooth belly, so the name fits these very old New Zealand frogs.