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Mammalian: meaning, definitions and examples

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mammalian

 

[ məˈmeɪl.i.ən ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

biological classification

Mammalian refers to any member of the class Mammalia, a group of warm-blooded vertebrates that possess hair or fur and, in females, mammary glands which produce milk for feeding their young. Mammals include a diverse array of species ranging from tiny shrews to large whales. They are characterized by three middle ear bones, a neocortex in the brain, and specialized teeth adapted to their feeding habits. Mammals are primarily viviparous, giving live birth, with few exceptions such as monotremes, which lay eggs.

Synonyms

furry, mammal, warm-blooded

Examples of usage

  • Whales are fascinating mammalian creatures of the ocean.
  • The study of mammalian behavior has revealed much about social structures.
  • Mammalian evolution has led to a stunning variety of life forms.
  • Zebras are an example of a terrestrial mammalian species.

Translations

Translations of the word "mammalian" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mamífero

🇮🇳 स्तनधारी (stanḍhārī)

🇩🇪 säugetierisch

🇮🇩 mamalia

🇺🇦 ссавецький

🇵🇱 ssakowy

🇯🇵 哺乳類の (honyūrui no)

🇫🇷 mammifère

🇪🇸 mamífero

🇹🇷 memeli

🇰🇷 포유류의 (poyuryuui)

🇸🇦 ثديي (thadyī)

🇨🇿 savčí

🇸🇰 cicavčie

🇨🇳 哺乳动物的 (bǔrǔ dòngwù de)

🇸🇮 sesalec

🇮🇸 spendýra

🇰🇿 сүтқоректілердің (sütqorektileŕdіŋ)

🇬🇪 მამლისებრთა (mamlisebrta)

🇦🇿 məməlilər

🇲🇽 mamífero

Etymology

The term 'mammalian' derives from the Latin word 'mamma,' meaning 'breast,' which is a reference to the mammary glands that are a defining characteristic of this class of animals. The classification of mammals began with early taxonomists who recognized the unique features of these creatures in contrast to reptiles and birds. The word itself has evolved over time, becoming a standard term in biological classification following Linnaeus's system of taxonomy in the 18th century. As science progressed, the understanding of mammalian characteristics expanded, leading to a more detailed classification of the vast diversity of species within this group. Today, 'mammalian' encompasses a wide range of animals that share common anatomical and physiological traits, underscoring their evolutionary significance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,305, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.