SPECIFIC NAME Meaning and
Definition
-
Specific name refers to the second part of a scientific name given to a particular organism in the system of binomial nomenclature, which is used to classify and identify living organisms. In this naming system, each organism is assigned a unique scientific name that consists of two parts: the genus name and the specific name.
The specific name, also known as the species epithet, is the more specific part of the scientific name. It is used to distinguish between different species within the same genus. This name provides additional information about the organism, such as its characteristics, habitat, or other distinguishing features.
The specific name is usually derived from Latin or Greek words and is written in lowercase letters. It is always underlined or italicized in scientific literature to distinguish it from other text. For example, in the scientific name Homo sapiens, "sapiens" is the specific name, indicating the species to which humans belong.
The assignment of a specific name helps to standardize the identification and classification of organisms, facilitating communication among scientists and avoiding confusion caused by common names, which can vary among different languages and regions. The use of a specific name allows scientists to precisely refer to a particular species, regardless of the common names used by different cultures.
-
The name which, appended to the name of the genus, constitutes the distinctive name of the species.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SPECIFIC NAME
- apecific name
- zpecific name
- xpecific name
- dpecific name
- epecific name
- wpecific name
- soecific name
- slecific name
- s-ecific name
- s0ecific name
- spwcific name
- spscific name
- spdcific name
- sprcific name
- sp4cific name
- sp3cific name
- spexific name
- spevific name
- spefific name
- spedific name
Etymology of SPECIFIC NAME
The etymology of the word "specific name" can be traced back to the Latin and Greek origins of its constituent parts.
The word "specific" comes from the Latin word "specificus", which is a combination of "species" (meaning "kind" or "sort") and "-ficus" (meaning "making" or "producing"). Thus, "specific" refers to something that makes or produces a particular kind or sort.
The word "name" has its roots in Old English, derived from the Germanic word "namō", which means "to name" or "to designate".
When combined, "specific name" refers to the name or designation given to a particular kind or species. In taxonomy, the specific name is the second part of a binomial scientific name, distinguishing one species from another within the same genus.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
