anomiidae
|a-no-mi-i-dae|
/ˌænəˈmiːɪdiː/
family of jingle shells (irregular bivalves)
Etymology
'Anomiidae' originates from New Latin, formed from the genus name 'Anomia' plus the family-forming suffix '-idae' used in zoological nomenclature.
'Anomia' was taken from Greek roots (used to name the genus for its irregular shell form), Latinized for scientific use, and later the suffix '-idae' (from New Latin, based on Greek/Latin elements) was added to denote the family 'Anomiidae'.
Initially the root referred to the genus 'Anomia' (irregular-shelled bivalves); over time the addition of '-idae' extended the term to denote the entire family of related genera, and today it names that taxonomic family.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a family of marine bivalve mollusks (Anomiidae), commonly called jingle shells or saddle oysters, characterized by thin, often irregularly shaped shells that attach to hard substrates.
Anomiidae are often found attached to rocks, shells, and man-made structures in shallow coastal waters.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/18 05:21