Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic family within the phylum Cnidaria (or Coelenterata): In biological classification, a 'coelenterate family' is a rank grouping together genera of coelenterates that share common characteristics. It is a category in the scientific hierarchy of life (taxonomy).

Usage

• The term is used almost exclusively in scientific contexts, particularly in zoology, marine biology, and taxonomy, to classify and discuss groups of related coelenterate organisms.
• It is a compound noun where 'coelenterate' acts as an adjective specifying the type of family.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Hydridae is a well-known coelenterate family that includes the common freshwater hydra.
  • Taxonomists re-evaluated the placement of several species within that coelenterate family.

Advanced Usage

• In modern taxonomy, the term 'coelenterate' is considered somewhat outdated, as the group is now more precisely divided into the phyla Cnidaria (e.g., jellyfish, corals) and Ctenophora (comb jellies). Therefore, 'coelenterate family' is often synonymous with 'cnidarian family' in contemporary usage, though it may historically encompass both groups.
  • The study compared the morphological traits across three major coelenterate families.

Variants and Related Words

• Coelenterate (n): Any aquatic invertebrate animal of the former phylum Coelenterata, characterized by a simple sac-like body with a single opening and stinging cells.
• Cnidarian family (n): A more precise modern equivalent for a family within the phylum Cnidaria.
• Family (n): In biology, a taxonomic rank below order and above genus.

Synonyms

• Cnidarian family: A family within the phylum Cnidaria.
• Taxonomic family (of coelenterates): A more descriptive synonym.

Notes

• This is a specialized scientific term. It is not used in everyday language and does not have associated idioms or phrasal verbs.
• The reference definition "a family of coelenterates" is the core meaning. The Vietnamese translation provided ("lớp động vật ruột khoang") actually means "coelenterate ," which is a different, higher taxonomic rank (phylum/class), not "family." The correct translation for 'coelenterate family' would be "họ động vật ruột khoang."

Noun

1. a family of coelenterates