Definition

Noun: A taxonomic rank in biological classification for bacteria. A 'bacteria family' is a group of related bacterial genera that share a set of common characteristics, forming a level in the scientific hierarchy below 'order' and above 'genus'.

Usage

The term is used in scientific, microbiological, and medical contexts to classify and discuss groups of bacteria with shared evolutionary and phenotypic traits. - The bacteria family Enterobacteriaceae includes many well-known genera like Escherichia and Salmonella. - Scientists reclassified the species into a new bacteria family based on genetic analysis.

Advanced Usage

• In Taxonomic Nomenclature: The formal, Latinized names of bacterial families typically end in "-aceae". For example, is a family of aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria.
  • The proposal to define the new bacteria family was published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

Variants and Related Words

• Bacterial Family: A synonymous phrasing.
• Family (in microbiology): The general taxonomic term, often clarified by context to mean 'bacteria family'.
• Genus (pl. Genera): The rank below family; a family contains one or more genera.
• Order: The rank above family; an order contains one or more families.

Synonyms

• Taxonomic family (of bacteria)
• Bacterial lineage (in a broad, non-technical sense)

Related Phrases

• Type genus: The genus that serves as the reference point for naming and defining the family.
  • The bacteria family is named after its type genus.

Noun

1. a family of bacteria