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Glite Dictionary
genus Phaethon

genus Phaethon

9.9
A group of seabirds called tropicbirds with long tail feathers
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈfeɪθən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Phaethon
  • The genus Phaethon includes three extant species of tropicbirds found in tropical oceans.

Examples

  • Tropicbirds belonging to the genus Phaethon are known for their striking tail feathers.

  • The genus Phaethon includes several species of tropicbirds.

  • Researchers studied nesting habits across the genus Phaethon to compare behaviors among species.

  • Did you know that genus Phaethon is known for its long tails?

  • Researchers studied nesting habits across the genus Phaethon to compare behaviors among species.

  • The genus Phaethon includes three extant species of tropicbirds found in tropical oceans.

  • Tropicbirds belonging to the genus Phaethon are known for their striking tail feathers.

Synonyms

Phaethon
vsgenus Phaethon
  • Specialized
9.9

A type of seabird with long tail feathers that lives in warm oceans

has identical meaning but omits the note about living in tropical oceans

Surface Forms

genus Phaethon singular
genera Phaethon plural

Morphology

genus + Phaethon

This is a straightforward compositional taxonomic label: 'genus' (a biological rank) combined with the proper name 'Phaethon' yields the genus called Phaethon. Such noun + name constructions are regular in scientific nomenclature and are directly understandable to a learner who knows both constituent words.

Etymology

Genus Phaethon gets its name from Phaethon, a figure in Greek myth who once drove the sun and is linked with 'brightness'. Scientists used that bright sun image for the mostly white, long‑tailed tropicbirds, so the name now labels this group of tropical seabirds.