Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic family of terrestrial isopod crustaceans commonly known as pill bugs or woodlice: "Family Armadillidiidae" is the scientific name for a specific family of small, segmented land crustaceans characterized by their ability to roll into a tight ball for defense.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification: Used in formal biological contexts to refer to this specific family group within the order Isopoda.

Variants and Related Words

• Armadillidiidae (n): The same taxonomic family name, often used without the word "family" in more technical writing.
• Armadillidiid (adj/n): An adjective describing something related to this family, or informally, a member of it.

Synonyms

• Pill bugs (common name): The most widespread common name for terrestrial isopods in this family.
• Woodlice (common name): A broader common name for terrestrial isopods, which includes members of Family Armadillidiidae and other families like Porcellionidae.
• Roly-polies (colloquial name): A casual, often child-friendly term for pill bugs.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "Family Armadillidiidae" is strictly a scientific, taxonomic designation. In everyday language, the common names (pill bugs, roly-polies) are used. The defining characteristic of this family is the ability to conglobate, or roll into a perfect sphere.

Noun

1. pill bugs