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specific epithet. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
specific epithet, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
specific epithet in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Noun
specific epithet (plural specific epithets)
- (taxonomy) 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
Translations
(taxonomy) second word in the scientific name of a species
See also