Definition

1. Noun:
   • A family of Dermoptera: Cynocephalidae is the scientific name for a family of mammals within the order Dermoptera, commonly known as colugos or flying lemurs.

Usage

• The word "Cynocephalidae" is used almost exclusively in formal, scientific, or zoological contexts to classify and discuss these specific gliding mammals. It is a proper noun (the name of a taxonomic family) and is typically capitalized.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The two extant species of colugo are classified under the family Cynocephalidae.
  • Researchers studied the gliding membrane, or patagium, unique to members of the Cynocephalidae.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: In biological taxonomy, "Cynocephalidae" is used to specify the family level, which sits above the genus level and below the order level (Dermoptera).
  • The order Dermoptera contains only the single family Cynocephalidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Colugo (n): The common name for any mammal within the family Cynocephalidae.
  • The colugo is a nocturnal gliding mammal found in Southeast Asia.
• Flying lemur (n): Another common name for colugos, though they are not true lemurs.
  • Despite its name, the flying lemur cannot truly fly and is not closely related to lemurs.
• Dermoptera (n): The order to which the family Cynocephalidae belongs.
  • Dermoptera is an order of gliding mammals.

Synonyms

• Colugo family: A descriptive synonym in non-scientific language.
• Flying lemur family: A common but imprecise synonym, as these animals are not lemurs.

Notes on Meaning

• The term refers specifically to a biological family. It does not have other general meanings outside of scientific classification.
• The common names "flying lemur" and "colugo" refer to the animals themselves, while "Cynocephalidae" refers to the taxonomic group they belong to.

Noun

1. a family of Dermoptera