Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic subfamily within the family Mustelidae: In biological classification, this term refers to a specific group of carnivorous mammals that includes all otter species. It is a scientific name used in zoology and taxonomy.

Usage Notes

• "Subfamily Lutrinae" is a formal, scientific term. In everyday English, the common name "otters" is used.
• It is always written in italics in scientific contexts because it is a Latinized name: .
• The term specifies a rank (subfamily) within a larger family classification (Mustelidae, which also includes weasels, badgers, and minks).

Examples of Usage

• Scientific Context:
  • The aquatic adaptations of subfamily Lutrinae are remarkable, including webbed feet and dense fur.
  • All modern otter species are classified under subfamily Lutrinae.
  • The study focused on the evolutionary history of subfamily Lutrinae within Mustelidae.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to denote a precise level in the biological classification system: Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Subfamily > Genus > Species.
• Reference Context: As noted, some classification systems may not use the subfamily rank, grouping otters directly within Mustelidae without the subdivision.

Variants and Related Words

• Lutrinae (n): The core part of the term, often used interchangeably in scientific literature.
• Otter (n): The common name for any member of the subfamily Lutrinae.
• Mustelidae (n): The biological family to which the subfamily Lutrinae belongs.

Synonyms

• Otters (common name)
• The otter subfamily (descriptive phrase)

Related Phrases

• Member of Lutrinae: A formal way to state that an animal is an otter.
  • The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a well-known member of Lutrinae.

Noun

1. subdivision not used in some classifications: otters