Glossary

trinomen

Combination of generic name, specific, and subspecific names which together form the name of a subspecies.

Related terms

generic name
The scientific name of a taxon with the rank of genus; the first part of a binomen or trinomen.
genus
Taxonomic group into which a family is divided and which contains one or more species characterised by a shared trait or traits. The generic name is used, either alone or followed by one or two specific epithets, to form a binomen or trinomen.
specific epithet
In zoological nomencature, the second name in a binomen and in a trinomen. Has no nomenclatural function when used alone, though this is often done in aquarium literature or when referring to a species in passing if the genus being referred to is already clearly known. Also known as specific name.
subspecies
Taxonomic rank below species, written in the form of a trinomen. Often applied to a geographically-separated population within a species that retains the capability to produce fertile offspring with other populations but may exhibit phenotypic differences.