portunus

Thân thiện

A crab of the genus Portunus scuttles sideways across the sandy ocean floor.

Definition

Noun 1. A genus of swimming crabs: Portunus is the type genus of the crab family Portunidae, which includes species commonly known as swimming crabs. These crabs are characterized by their flattened, paddle-like rear legs adapted for swimming.

Usage

• is used as a proper noun in scientific (taxonomic) contexts to refer to this specific genus.
• It is typically italicized in academic writing, as is standard for genus names.

Examples

• The crab specimen was identified as belonging to the genus .
• , the blue swimmer crab, is an important commercial species.
• Researchers are studying the evolutionary history of and its relatives.

Advanced Usage

• In marine biology and taxonomy, serves as the reference point for defining the family Portunidae. Other genera within the family are distinguished by how they differ from the characteristics of .

Variants and Related Words

• Portunidae (n): The family of crabs to which the genus belongs.
• Portunid (n/adjective): A crab of the family Portunidae; or relating to that family (e.g., portunid characteristics).

Synonyms

• Swimming crab genus: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym.
• (Member of) Family Portunidae: A broader taxonomic grouping.

Notes on Meaning

This word has a single, highly specific meaning in scientific nomenclature. It does not have different everyday meanings, idioms, or phrasal verbs. Its usage is confined to biological and zoological contexts.

Học thuật

Noun

1. type genus of the family Portunidae

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Portunus
• genus Portunus