theraphosidae
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A family of large, hairy spiders: Theraphosidae is the scientific family name for a group of arachnids commonly known as tarantulas. These spiders are typically large, often hairy, and are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Usage
- The word "Theraphosidae" is used in formal, scientific, or academic contexts to refer to this specific taxonomic family of spiders. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
- It is typically used with a singular verb when referring to the family as a single taxonomic unit.
- Example: Theraphosidae includes over 1,000 described species.
- It can be used to specify a particular spider's classification.
- Example: The Goliath birdeater is a member of the family Theraphosidae.
Examples
- Scientific Context:
- Researchers are studying the venom of various species within Theraphosidae.
- The classification of Theraphosidae has been revised several times.
- General Descriptive Context:
- Many spiders in the family Theraphosidae are popular in the exotic pet trade.
- Unlike most spiders, Theraphosidae do not use webs to catch prey but are ambush predators.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in contrast to other spider families.
- While most spiders are small, Theraphosidae contains some of the largest arachnids on Earth.
Variants and Related Words
- Tarantula (n): The common name for most spiders belonging to the family Theraphosidae. This is the word used in everyday language.
- She keeps a pet tarantula in a terrarium.
- Mygalomorphae (n): The infraorder to which the family Theraphosidae belongs, which includes other large, primitive spiders like funnel-webs and trapdoor spiders.
Synonyms
- Tarantulas (n, plural, common name): This is the direct, non-scientific synonym for members of the Theraphosidae family.
Notes on Different Meanings
- The word "Theraphosidae" has only one specific meaning: it refers exclusively to this biological family of spiders. There are no other common or idiomatic meanings. In casual speech, the common name "tarantula" is always used instead.
Noun
- large tropical spiders; tarantulas