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

Finding a new superfamily is an exceptionally rare event in taxonomy. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical 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