Scientific name
- Pronunciation
- /ˌsaɪˈɛntɪfɪk neɪm/
- Category
- Nomenclature
- Singular
- Scientific name
- Plural
- Scientific names
Definition
The binomial name given to each species of organism, consisting of two words: the genus and species.
Etymology
From Latin 'scientia', meaning 'knowledge' and 'nomen', meaning 'name'.
Example
The scientific name for the common housefly is *Musca domestica*.
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Scientific names are written in italics and follow strict rules of Latin grammar.