Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic family of large mammals: "Family Elephantidae" is the scientific biological classification for the family comprising elephants and their extinct close relatives (like mammoths and mastodons). It is characterized by features such as a trunk, tusks, and large size.

Usage

• The term "Family Elephantidae" is used primarily in formal, scientific, and zoological contexts to classify and discuss these animals as a distinct biological group.
• It is a proper noun when referring to the specific taxonomic rank.

Examples

• Noun:
  • All modern elephants belong to the Family Elephantidae.
  • The fossil record shows that Family Elephantidae was once more diverse, including woolly mammoths.
  • Scientists study the evolution of the Family Elephantidae.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used to specify the family level in the classification system (Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Mammalia, Order: Proboscidea, Family: Elephantidae).
  • The order Proboscidea contains the single living family, Elephantidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Elephantid (noun/adjective): A member of the Family Elephantidae; pertaining to this family.
  • Mammoths are extinct elephantids.
• Elephant (noun): The common name for the living members of the Family Elephantidae (e.g., African bush elephant, Asian elephant).

Synonyms

• Elephant family: A less formal way to refer to the group.
• Proboscidean family: Refers to the family within the order Proboscidea, though this order contains other extinct families as well.

Notes

• "Family Elephantidae" is a fixed scientific term. In non-scientific contexts, people typically use the common name "elephants."
• It does not have associated idioms or phrasal verbs, as it is a technical taxonomic term.

Noun

1. elephants