Caprimulgidae

plural noun

Cap·​ri·​mul·​gi·​dae

-əˌdē

: a family of birds (order Caprimulgiformes) comprising the nightjars

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Caprimulgus, type genus (from Latin, milker of goats, goatsucker, from capri- + -mulgus, from mulgēre to milk) + -idae

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!