Definitions

scientific name

[sahy-uhn-tif-ik naym] / ˈsaɪ ənˌtɪf ɪk ˈneɪm /

NOUN

genus and species epithet

Synonyms

WEAK

binomen binomial name binomial nomenclature scientific epithet taxonomic name trinomen trinomial name

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Each newly discovered species must be given a scientific name, and researchers often draw inspiration from people, experiences, or even popular culture.

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2026

Lunar regolith is the scientific name for the dusty material that covers the Moon's surface.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2026

Eventually the arm were identified as belonging to a seven-arm octopus, which has the scientific name Haliphron atlanticus.

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2025

When researchers discovered a gecko that reminded them of the paintings of van Gogh, they gave it the scientific name Cnemaspis vangoghi.

From Salon • Sep. 20, 2024

It’s not like the thing has a name tag, accompanied by a scientific name for its—his?—species.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer