Definition

Noun: * Family Aepyornidae: A family of large, extinct, flightless birds known as elephant birds, which were native to Madagascar. This family is coextensive with the biological order Aepyorniformes, meaning the order contains only this one family.

Usage

The term "family Aepyornidae" is used in scientific and zoological contexts to classify a specific, extinct group of birds. * The fossil record suggests that the family Aepyornidae contained some of the largest birds to have ever lived. * Scientists place the elephant birds within the family Aepyornidae.

Advanced Usage

• The concept of being coextensive with an order is a specific taxonomic detail indicating that the entire order Aepyorniformes is composed solely of the members of this single family, Aepyornidae. This is not common for all bird orders.

Variants and Related Words

• Aepyorniformes (noun): The biological order to which this family belongs.
• Aepyornithidae (noun): An alternative, synonymous family name sometimes used in historical classifications.
• elephant bird (noun): The common name for any member of the family Aepyornidae.

Synonyms

• elephant birds (common name)

Notes on Meaning

This term has a single, precise scientific meaning. It does not have idioms, phrasal verbs, or multiple common definitions.

Noun

1. coextensive with the order Aepyorniformes