Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic family of even-toed ungulates: "Family Giraffidae" is the biological family name that includes giraffes and their closest extant relative, the okapi. It is characterized by long necks, long legs, and ossicones (skin-covered bone structures on the head).

Usage

• The term "family Giraffidae" is used in formal, scientific contexts such as zoology, biology, and taxonomy to classify and discuss these specific animals.
• It is typically preceded by the word "family" or abbreviated as "Giraffidae" in scientific writing.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The family Giraffidae contains only two living genera: Giraffa and Okapia.
  • All members of the family Giraffidae possess distinctive ossicones on their skulls.
  • The evolution of the long neck is a defining feature of the family Giraffidae.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used to specify a rank above genus and below order.
  • The giraffe's full taxonomic classification is: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Mammalia, Order Artiodactyla, Family Giraffidae, Genus Giraffa.

Variants and Related Words

• Giraffidae: The standard form used in scientific literature without the word "family."
  • Giraffidae are ruminant mammals.
• Giraffid: (Adjective) Relating to the family Giraffidae.
  • Giraffid anatomy is highly specialized.

Synonyms

• Giraffe family: A less formal, descriptive synonym.
  • The giraffe family is native to Africa.

Notes

• This is a specialized scientific term. In everyday language, people refer to the animals themselves ("giraffes" and "okapis") rather than the taxonomic family name.
• The reference context provided, "family_giraffidaeNoungiraffes," is a simplified or coded dictionary entry indicating the word is a noun pertaining to giraffes.

Noun

1. giraffes