Alcedinidae

plural noun

Al·​ce·​din·​i·​dae
ˌal-sə-ˈdi-nə-ˌdē
: a large family of large-headed short-bodied birds comprising the kingfishers and constituting a suborder (Alcedines) of the order Coraciiformes

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Alcedin-, Alcedo, type genus + -idae

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Alcedinidae was in 1841

The Ultimate Dicitonary 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 Alcedinidae

Cite this Entry

“Alcedinidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Alcedinidae. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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