genus Tinea

9.8

A group of small moths that includes common clothes moths that eat natural fibres

noun
/ˈdʒiːnəs ˈtiːniə/

Specialized

: género Tinea

The genus Tinea includes several moths known for damaging natural fibers in clothing.

Examples

Many household infestations are caused by moths belonging to the genus Tinea.
Scientists discovered a new species within the genus Tinea in South America.
The genus Tinea includes several species of moths.
Many people are unaware of the genus Tinea and its impact on clothing.
Many household infestations are caused by moths belonging to the genus Tinea.
The genus Tinea includes several moths known for damaging natural fibers in clothing.
Scientists discovered a new species within the genus Tinea in South America.

Synonyms

Tinea

vsgenus Tinea

Specialized

9.9

A small moth whose young eat wool and other fabrics

is the taxonomic type genus that names the whole family

Surface Forms

genus Tinea singular

genera Tinea plural

Morphology

genus + Tinea

This is a literal, compositional combination: 'genus' (a taxonomic rank) + the name 'Tinea' yields the taxon called Tinea. A B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer it refers to the genus named Tinea (the group of related moth species), so the meaning is transparent.

Etymology

Genus Tinea comes from the old Latin word tinea, which meant a small insect or 'worm' that eats clothes. Because of that image, scientists used Tinea as the name for the group of small moths that damage clothing, so genus Tinea today refers to those clothes moths.