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Glite Dictionary
order Apodiformes

order Apodiformes

9.9
A group of birds that includes swifts and hummingbirds
  • noun
  • /ˈɔrdər ˌæpəˈdɪfɔrmiz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : orden Apodiformes
  • The order Apodiformes includes both swifts and hummingbirds.

Examples

  • There are over 400 species within the order Apodiformes, including swifts and hummingbirds.

  • The order Apodiformes is known for members' exceptional aerial agility and rapid wing movement.

  • Swifts and hummingbirds, both part of the order Apodiformes, have independently adapted to different styles of feeding.

  • Did you know that the order Apodiformes is known for its aerial agility?

  • The order Apodiformes consists of two main groups, the swifts and the hummingbirds.

  • Birdwatchers often seek to identify species from the order Apodiformes due to their unique characteristics.

  • Members of the order Apodiformes are distinguished by their ability to fly at high speeds.

Synonyms

Apodiformes
vsorder Apodiformes
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small birds like swifts and hummingbirds that fly very fast

is the taxonomic name for that same bird group

Surface Forms

order Apodiformes singular
orders Apodiformes plural

Morphology

order + Apodiformes

The phrase is fully compositional: 'order' denotes a taxonomic grouping and 'Apodiformes' is the name of that group, so together they mean the taxonomic order containing swifts and hummingbirds. Although somewhat technical, the meaning follows directly from the constituents and is not idiomatic, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it.

Etymology

The noun order Apodiformes comes from Greek parts a- ('without') and pod- ('foot'), so the name pictures birds with very small legs. That's why it is used for the group of swifts and hummingbirds, which spend most of their lives flying rather than walking.