mustela
Definition
Noun: 1. A genus of mammals: Mustela is the scientific genus name for a group of small, carnivorous mammals within the family Mustelidae, characterized by long, slender bodies, short legs, and often valuable fur. This genus includes animals such as weasels, ferrets, stoats, and minks.
Usage
- The word mustela is primarily used in formal, scientific, or zoological contexts. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
- It functions as a proper noun (the genus name) and is typically capitalized and italicized in scientific writing: .
Examples
- The least weasel, Mustela , is the world's smallest carnivore.
- Several species within the genus Mustela are known for their seasonal color change.
- The study focused on the evolutionary history of the genus Mustela.
Advanced Usage
- Taxonomic Hierarchy: In biological classification, is the genus level. A full species name includes the genus and the specific epithet (e.g., for the European polecat).
- Adjectival Form: The adjective mustelid (or musteline) refers to any member of the family Mustelidae, which includes the genus as well as otters, badgers, and wolverines.
Variants and Related Words
- Mustelid (n.): Any member of the family Mustelidae.
- Otters and badgers are also mustelids.
- Musteline (adj.): Relating to or characteristic of the family Mustelidae.
- The animal exhibited typical musteline features.
Synonyms
- Weasel genus: (A descriptive, non-scientific synonym)
- Note: There are no direct single-word synonyms for the proper noun in common English.
Different Meanings
The word mustela does not have other common meanings in standard English outside of its specific use as a scientific genus name.
Noun
-
type genus of the family Mustelidae: minks and weasels
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
