Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic family of venomous sea snakes: "family Hydrophidae" refers to a specific biological family within the reptile order Squamata, comprising marine snakes adapted to aquatic life. These snakes are characterized by their paddle-shaped tails for swimming and are typically found in warm coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The family Hydrophidae includes some of the most venomous snakes in the world.
  • Marine biologists are studying the evolution of the family Hydrophidae.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification: The term is used in formal scientific contexts to categorize and discuss this specific group of reptiles.
  • The species was reclassified within the family Hydrophidae based on new genetic evidence.

Variants and Related Words

• Hydrophidae (n): The standard form of the taxonomic family name, often used without the word "family."
  • Snakes belonging to Hydrophidae are entirely aquatic.
• Hydrophiinae (n): A subfamily name sometimes used in more detailed classifications.
• Sea snake (n): The common name for any snake within this family.
  • A sea snake from the family Hydrophidae washed ashore.

Synonyms

• Sea snakes: The common, non-scientific term for members of this family.
• Marine elapids: A descriptive term highlighting their classification within the Elapidae family (though Hydrophidae is often treated as a separate family).

Related Phrases

• Member of the Hydrophidae: A phrase used to specify an organism's taxonomic grouping.
  • The banded sea krait is a well-known member of the Hydrophidae.

Noun

1. sea snakes