Common name
- Pronunciation
- /ˈkä-mən ˈnām/
- Category
- Entomology, Arachnology
- Singular
- Common name
- Plural
- Common names
Definition
A vernacular name used by the public to identify an organism, often based on appearance or behavior.
Etymology
English, from 'common' (ordinary) and 'name' (identifying designation)
Example
The common name for Danaus plexippus is the monarch butterfly.
Synonyms
- Vernacular name
Related Terms
- Scientific name
- Binomial nomenclature
- Colloquial name
Usage Notes
Common names can vary by region and language, unlike scientific names which are standardized.