Phytotomidae

plural noun

Phy·​to·​tom·​i·​dae
ˌfītəˈtäməˌdē
: a family of South American passerine birds that resemble finches but have serrated bills with which they nip off the young shoots and buds of plants

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Phytotoma, type genus (from phyt- + Greek tomē action of cutting, from temnein to cut) + -idae

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Phytotomidae

Cite this Entry

“Phytotomidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Phytotomidae. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!