astropectinidae
|as-tro-pec-tin-i-dae|
/ˌæstrəpɛkˈtɪnɪdiː/
comb-like star
Etymology
'astropectinidae' originates from New Latin, specifically from the genus name 'Astropecten' combined with the family-forming suffix '-idae', where the element 'astron' (Greek) meant 'star' and 'pecten' (Latin/Greek) meant 'comb'.
'Astropecten' was coined from Ancient Greek elements ('astron' + 'pecten') as a genus name; following conventions of zoological nomenclature this genus name produced the family name 'Astropectinidae' (New Latin).
Initially it described a 'star with comb-like features' (a descriptive compound referring to appearance), but over time it came to denote the formal taxonomic family 'Astropectinidae'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a family of sea stars (class Asteroidea) commonly known as sand stars, including genera such as Astropecten; a taxonomic group of echinoderms.
Specimens of astropectinidae were collected from the sandy seabed for further study.
Last updated: 2025/11/08 16:04