Definition

1. Noun:
   • A family of birds: "family Meropidae" is the scientific name for a family of near-passerine birds commonly known as bee-eaters. These birds are characterized by their brightly colored plumage, slender bodies, and long, pointed bills used for catching flying insects, especially bees and wasps.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The family Meropidae is known for its vibrant colors and aerial hunting skills.
  • Ornithologists study the migration patterns of the family Meropidae.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic classification: The term is used in scientific and ornithological contexts to categorize and discuss this specific bird family within the order Coraciiformes.
  • The evolutionary history of the family Meropidae is a topic of research.

Variants and Related Words

• Meropidae (n): The standard form of the taxonomic family name, often used interchangeably with "family Meropidae."
• Bee-eater (n): The common name for any bird belonging to the family Meropidae.
  • The European bee-eater (Merops apiaster) is a member of the family Meropidae.

Synonyms

• Bee-eaters: The common English name for the family.

Related Phrases

• Member of the Meropidae: A phrase used to specify an individual bird's taxonomic group.
  • This species is a distinguished member of the Meropidae.

Noun

1. bee-eaters