specific epithet

noun

: the Latin or latinized noun or adjective that follows the genus name in a taxonomic binomial

Examples of specific epithet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The specific epithet further divided those genera into smaller groups of individuals that shared more and finer-scale characteristics. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 Oct. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of specific epithet was in 1906

Dictionary Entries Near specific epithet

Cite this Entry

“Specific epithet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/specific%20epithet. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

specific epithet

noun
: the Latin or latinized noun or adjective that follows the genus name in a taxonomic binomial
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