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Glite Dictionary
genus Orcinus

genus Orcinus

8.7
A group of sea mammals that includes the killer whale
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ɔrˈsɪnəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Orcinus
  • The genus Orcinus consists of only one living species, the killer whale, known scientifically as Orcinus orca.

Examples

  • Within the family Delphinidae, the genus Orcinus is well-known for its apex predator, the killer whale.

  • Scientists have studied the evolutionary history of the genus Orcinus through fossil records.

  • The genus Orcinus includes various species of whales.

  • Did you know that genus Orcinus is often referred to as killer whales?

  • The genus Orcinus consists of only one living species, the killer whale, known scientifically as Orcinus orca.

  • Scientists have studied the evolutionary history of the genus Orcinus through fossil records.

  • Within the family Delphinidae, the genus Orcinus is well-known for its apex predator, the killer whale.

Synonyms

Orcinus
vsgenus Orcinus
  • Specialized
9.4

A group of sea mammals that includes the killer whale or orca

means the same but includes the taxonomic label before the name

Surface Forms

genus Orcinus singular
genera Orcinus plural

Morphology

genus + Orcinus

This phrase is fully compositional: 'genus' names a biological rank and 'Orcinus' is the taxonomic name, so together they plainly denote the genus called Orcinus. Scientific naming conventions (genus + taxon name) are cross-linguistically familiar, so a learner who knows both constituents will understand the meaning.

Etymology

Genus Orcinus may come from the Latin word Orcinus, linked to Orcus, a Roman god of death, a strong idea for a dark, powerful sea hunter. The part genus means 'group', so genus Orcinus literally labels the group 'of Orcus' and today is the scientific name for the group that includes the 'killer whale'.