Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic family of cartilaginous fish: "Family Torpedinidae" is the scientific name for a family of rays commonly known as electric rays or torpedo rays. These marine fish possess specialized electric organs capable of generating a strong electric shock, which they use for defense and to stun prey.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist is studying the unique electrogenic properties of the family Torpedinidae.
  • Several species within the family Torpedinidae are found in temperate coastal waters.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification: The term is used in formal scientific contexts to group all species of electric rays under this single family name.
  • The specimen was definitively classified under the family Torpedinidae based on its morphology and genetic markers.

Variants and Related Words

• Torpedinidae (n): The standardized, often italicized form of the family name in taxonomic writing.
  • The order Torpediniformes includes the family Torpedinidae.
• Torpedo ray (n): A common name for members of this family.
• Electric ray (n): The most widespread common name for these fish.

Synonyms

• Electric rays (n): The common name for the group of fish constituting this family.
• Numbfishes (n): A less common synonym for some electric rays.

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Elasmobranch (n): The subclass of cartilaginous fish that includes rays, sharks, and skates; family Torpedinidae belongs to this group.
• Electrocyte (n): The specialized cell that makes up the electric organ in these rays.

Noun

1. electric rays