Binominal nomenclature
- Pronunciation
- /bye-NOH-min-ul noh-MEN-klay-chur/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Binominal nomenclature
- Plural
- Binominal nomenclatures
Definition
A formal system of naming species of living things by giving each a name composed of two parts, using Latin grammatical forms. The first part is the genus name and the second part is the species identifier.
Etymology
From Neo-Latin 'binomium', meaning 'having two names' and 'nomenclature', from Latin 'nomenclatura' meaning 'the calling of names'. Developed by Carl Linnaeus.
Example
The binomial nomenclature for humans is Homo sapiens, where 'Homo' is the genus and 'sapiens' is the species identifier.
Synonyms
- Binomial nomenclature
- Scientific naming
- Binomial system
Related Terms
- Taxonomy
- Genus
- Species
- Classification
- Linnaean system
Usage Notes
Binominal nomenclature is used universally in the scientific community to ensure consistency and accuracy in the naming of species.