felidae
Definition
Noun 1. A biological family of mammals: Felidae is the taxonomic family that includes all species of cats, both living and extinct. Members of this family are characterized as obligate carnivores with retractable claws (except in the cheetah), powerful bodies, keen senses, and a distinctive predatory behavior.
Examples of Usage
- The lion, tiger, and domestic house cat all belong to the family Felidae.
- Scientists study the evolution of Felidae to understand the development of predatory adaptations.
- The fossil record shows that Felidae has a long and diverse evolutionary history.
Advanced Usage
- In taxonomic classification: The term is used formally in scientific literature to group species under the order Carnivora. For example: "The phylogenetic analysis placed the new fossil species firmly within the Felidae."
Variants and Related Words
- Feline (adjective): Of, relating to, or resembling animals of the cat family.
- Feline agility is remarkable.
- Feline (noun): Another term for any member of the family Felidae; a cat.
- The large feline stalked its prey silently.
Synonyms
- Cat family: The common, non-scientific term for Felidae.
- Felines: A direct synonym when used as a plural noun referring to the members of this family.
Related Idioms or Phrases
- No direct idioms: The word "Felidae" itself is a scientific term and is not typically used in idiomatic expressions. Idioms commonly use the word "cat" (e.g., "the cat's pajamas," "raining cats and dogs") rather than the taxonomic family name.
Noun
-
cats; wildcats; lions; leopards; cheetahs; saber-toothed tigers
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ chứa "felidae"
Từ có nhắc đến "felidae"