specific epithet
English
Noun
specific epithet (plural specific epithets)
- (taxonomy, botany) The second (uncapitalized) word in the scientific name of a species, following the name of the genus.
- In Cannabis sativa the word sativa is the specific epithet.
Usage notes
- The term specific epithet usually refers to the second element in the formal name of a plant, fungus, or bacterium. The corresponding element in the formal name of an animal is normally called its specific name.
Synonyms
Related terms
See also
Translations
(taxonomy, botany) second word in the scientific name of a species
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