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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1906, in the meaning defined above
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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