specific name

English

Noun

specific name (plural specific names)

1. (zoology) The second word in the scientific name of a species, following the name of the genus.

Usage notes

This terminology applies only to formal names of animals. It should not be confused with the species name in its broad sense which is actually two words in the binomial nomenclature system:

In the scientific name of the lion (Panthera leo) the specific name is leo, while the species name is Panthera leo.

See also

• specific epithet
• subspecific name