Nomen novum
- Pronunciation
- /NOH-men NOH-vum/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- nomen novum
- Plural
- nomina nova
Definition
A replacement published to substitute for an unavailable name, required when the original name is preoccupied (already used for another ), is a junior homonym, or otherwise violates nomenclatural rules, rather than for taxonomic reasons such as revised classification.
Etymology
Latin, 'new name'
Example
When Fabricius (1798) described a tiger as Cicindela sexpunctata, he unknowingly used a name already applied to a European by Fabricius (1775); the later name was rendered unavailable as a junior homonym, necessitating a nomen novum such as Cicindela sexguttata to provide a valid replacement.
Synonyms
- replacement name
- nom. nov.
- nomen nov.
Related Terms
- junior homonym
- preoccupied name
- Nomen nudum
- Nomen dubium
- availability
- principle of priority
Usage Notes
Distinguished from a new name arising from taxonomic revision (e.g., elevation of a to , or transfer to a different ), which produces a new combination rather than a nomen novum. The replacement name retains the of the name it replaces and does not alter the underlying taxonomic concept. In zoology governed by the ICZN, the author and date of a nomen novum include both the original authority and the replacing author.