Binomial naming system
- Pronunciation
- /bahy-NOH-mee-uhl NAY-ming SIS-tuhm/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Binomial naming system
- Plural
- Binomial naming systems
Definition
A formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, both of which use Latin grammatical forms, although they can be based on words from other languages.
Etymology
From Latin 'bi-', meaning 'two', and 'nomial', from 'nomen', meaning 'name'.
Example
The binomial naming system was used to classify the Monarch butterfly as Danaus plexippus.
Synonyms
- Binomial nomenclature
- Scientific naming
Related Terms
Usage Notes
The first part of the name identifies the genus to which the species belongs, and the second part identifies the species within the genus.