Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic genus of sea ducks: "genus melanitta" is the scientific name for a genus of birds in the family Anatidae, commonly known as scoters. These are medium to large sea ducks characterized by predominantly dark plumage.

Usage

• The term "genus melanitta" is used exclusively in scientific and ornithological contexts to classify and discuss this specific group of diving ducks.
• It is always treated as a singular noun, following the conventions of biological taxonomy.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The biologist specialized in studying the various species within genus melanitta.
  • Genus melanitta includes the black scoter, surf scoter, and white-winged scoter.

Advanced Usage

• In formal taxonomic writing, the genus name is always italicized. When used alone, it is often preceded by the word "genus" in non-italicized text to clarify its rank.
  • The paper focused on the migratory patterns of genus Melanitta. (Note: In strict taxonomic formatting, the genus name alone would be italicized: Melanitta).

Variants and Related Words

• Melanitta (n): The italicized form of the genus name used in taxonomic binomial nomenclature.
  • Melanitta nigra is the binomial name for the common scoter.
• Scoter (n): The common name for any duck of the genus .
  • We saw a large flock of scoters off the coast.

Synonyms

• Scoters: This is the direct common name equivalent for the members of this genus.

Notes

• "Genus melanitta" is a compound taxonomic term. The target word for explanation is this full phrase, which functions as a singular noun referring to the entire genus. The word "melanitta" itself is derived from Greek, meaning "black" or "dark," referring to the birds' typical coloration.

Noun

1. scoters