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

She has given the new fish a scientific name with a personal twist: Harriota avia.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2024

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

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