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.

The scientific name M. pucpuggy honors the Seminole-Creek people of Florida, whose chief gave William Bartram the name "Puc Puggy," meaning "Flower Hunter."

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 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

The scientific name can diverge from the common name of the virus or the disease.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 3, 2024

The scientific name for the “corn” that was cultivated in the Americas is Zea mays.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz