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

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Cite this Entry

“Phytotomidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Phytotomidae. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

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