Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic family of sea cucumbers: "family Holothuridae" is the scientific name for a specific family of echinoderms within the class Holothuroidea, commonly known as sea cucumbers. This family groups together related genera and species of these marine animals.

Usage Notes

• The term "family Holothuridae" is used primarily in scientific, zoological, and taxonomic contexts. It is a formal biological classification.
• In writing, the family name is typically italicized. The word "family" itself is often not italicized when used in the full phrase (e.g., the family ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The species was reclassified into the family Holothuridae.
  • Researchers are studying the biodiversity within the family Holothuridae.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used to specify a rank. For example: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Echinodermata; Class: Holothuroidea; Family: Holothuridae.
  • The taxonomic description places this genus firmly within the family Holothuridae.

Variants and Related Words

• Holothuridae (n): The core taxonomic name, often used synonymously with "family Holothuridae" in technical writing.
  • Holothuridae includes many commercially important species.
• Holothurid (n/adjective): A common name for a member of this family; also used as an adjective meaning "of or relating to the Holothuridae".
  • The holothurid population has declined. / We observed a holothurid species.
• Holothuroidea (n): The class to which this family belongs, encompassing all sea cucumbers.
• Sea cucumber (n): The common English name for animals in the class Holothuroidea, including those in the family Holothuridae.

Synonyms

• Holothurid family: A less formal way to refer to the taxonomic group.
• (There are no direct common-language synonyms for this precise scientific term.)

Related Phrases

• Member of the Holothuridae: A phrase used to describe an organism's classification.
  • This sea cucumber is a member of the Holothuridae.
• Type genus: Within taxonomy, is the type genus for the family Holothuridae.

Noun

1. a family of Holothuroidea