-ae

suffix forming plural nouns, used in names of animal and plant families, tribes, etc. (Felidae; Rosaceae) and instead of -as in the plural of many non-naturalized or unfamiliar nouns in -a derived from Latin or Greek (larvae; actiniae).
Etymology: pl. -ae of L nouns in -a or pl. -ai of some Gk nouns

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suffix forming plural nouns

1) used in names of animal and plant families and other groups

Felidae | Gymnospermae

2) used instead of -as in the plural of many nonnaturalized or unfamiliar nouns ending in -a derived from Latin or Greek

alumnae | larvae

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Origin:

representing Latin plural, or the Greek plural ending -ai of some nouns