Glossary

scientific name

Formal binomial or trinomial name of a species used in zoological nomenclature.

Related terms

binomial name
The two part name of a species used in zoological nomenclature comprising generic (for the genus) and specific (for the species) names which form the full scientific name when combined, e.g. Carassius auratus.
binomial nomenclature
The scientific system of naming an organism using two terms, the first representing the genus and the second the species. Also referred to as 'scientific name' or, somewhat inaccurately, 'Latin name'.
cheironym
An unpublished scientific name, also known as 'manuscript name'.
conserved name
A scientific name that has specific nomenclatural protection under the ICZN code, specifically a name that is otherwise unavailable or invalid but has been made available as a valid name by removal of the obstacles blocking its use.
etymology
Branch of linguistics concerned with the origin and development of words. Used in taxonomy when referring to the basis and meaning of a scientific name.
generic name
The scientific name of a taxon with the rank of genus; the first part of a binomen or trinomen.
nomen dubium
Dubious name; a scientific name that of unknown or doubtful application.
nomen novum
New name; a scientific name created to replace another scientific name for non-taxonomical reasons, e.g. when the name being replaced is a homonym.
nomen nudum
Naked name; a scientific name unavailable for use because it does not have a corresponding description, reference or indication. Can be made available if published in a fashion sufficient to meet the ICZN criteria of availability, in which case the name is attributed to the person making it available rather than the original author.
nomenclature
Branch of taxonomy concerned with the application of scientific names to taxa, based on a particular classification scheme and in accordance with agreed international rules and conventions.
species name
Scientific name of a species; binomen.
tautonym
A binomial, scientific name in which the genus and species names are the same, e.g., Tinca tinca.
toponym
In taxonomy, a scientific name derived from a place, region, or other locality.
valid name
The correct, currently-accepted scientific name for a taxon.
zoological nomenclature
Taxonomic system of scientific names for zoological taxa and the provisions for the formation, treatment, and use of those names. See ICZN.

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Used in 26 species profiles