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.

Ferreiraella populi has now been described and given a scientific name only two years after its discovery.

From Science Daily • Feb. 7, 2026

Viewers were invited to submit a proposed scientific name along with a justification.

From Science Daily • Feb. 7, 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

Separate from WHO’s decision, ICTV’s poxvirus group had a vote on whether to change the scientific name for the virus that causes mpox.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 3, 2024

Below each gay scrap of color was a scientific name in my grandfather’s careful copperplate script.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly