Scientific name

Definition

A formal, internationally standardized name for a taxon, governed by nomenclatural codes. For species, the scientific name follows binomial nomenclature: a capitalized genus name plus a lowercase specific epithet, both italicized (or underlined), together designating a single species. Higher taxa receive single-word names with standardized endings (e.g., -idae for families, -inae for subfamilies). Scientific names are unique, universal, and stable regardless of vernacular usage, enabling precise communication across languages and disciplines.

Etymology

From Latin scientia 'knowledge' + nomen 'name'; reflecting the systematic, evidence-based approach to biological classification.

Example

The house cricket is known worldwide as *Acheta domesticus* (Linnaeus, 1758); the genus *Acheta* groups similar field crickets, while *domesticus* distinguishes this particular species. The family name Gryllidae and subfamily Gryllinae follow standardized suffix conventions.

Synonyms

• binominal name
• binomial name
• binominal
• Latin name

Related Terms

• Binomial nomenclature
• Genus
• specific epithet
• Type specimen
• nomenclatural code
• vernacular name
• trinomial name
• authority

Usage Notes

Distinguish from vernacular (common) names, which vary by region and language. 'Scientific name' technically applies to any rank, though colloquially often used for species binomials. The ICZN for animals and ICN for plants govern formation and priority. Names may change through revision or priority rules, but each valid taxon bears only one accepted scientific name at a time. Always cite the original describer (authority) and year for precision in taxonomic work.