Nomen oblitum

Category: Nomenclature

Definition

A scientific name that has been declared by taxonomic authorities to be unused or forgotten, and is thus rejected in favor of a more commonly used name under the rules of nomenclature.

Etymology

From Latin 'oblitum', meaning 'forgotten' or 'lost'.

Example

A name declared as *nomen oblitum* must not have been used as a valid name since 1899, according to the ICZN rules.

Synonyms

Forgotten name

Related Terms

Nomenclatural synonym
Name abandonment

Usage Notes

The term is used in accordance with the rules of nomenclature, such as those set by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).