superfamily
noun
su·per·fam·i·ly
ˈsü-pər-ˌfam-lē 
-ˈfa-mə-
1
: a category of biological classification ranking below an order and above a family
2
: a large group of closely related molecules or chemical compounds usually possessing a similar function
Examples of superfamily in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Both species were placed in the same tardigrade superfamily Hypsibioidea, and was moved into the family Hypsibiidae.
—
Mindy Weisberger, Scientific American, 15 Aug. 2024
Wood’s fascination with pelican spiders (and the four other members of the superfamily Palpimanoidea) goes back 10 years.
—Sean Greene, latimes.com, 26 Jan. 2018
Some researchers, including Pagel, believe that the world’s languages are united by even older superfamilies, but this view is hotly contested.
—Elizabeth Norton, WIRED, 7 May 2013
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Mindy Weisberger, Scientific American, 15 Aug. 2024
Wood’s fascination with pelican spiders (and the four other members of the superfamily Palpimanoidea) goes back 10 years.
—Sean Greene, latimes.com, 26 Jan. 2018
Some researchers, including Pagel, believe that the world’s languages are united by even older superfamilies, but this view is hotly contested.
—Elizabeth Norton, WIRED, 7 May 2013
Dictionary Entries Near superfamily
Cite this Entry
“Superfamily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superfamily. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
superfamily
noun
su·per·fam·i·ly
ˈsü-pər-ˌfam-(ə-)lē
plural superfamilies
1
: a category of taxonomic classification between a family and an order or a suborder
2
: a large group of closely related molecules or chemical compounds usually possessing a similar function
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