Epithet - LIAS Glossary

This is a test version of the LIAS Glossary. Many definitions presented here are still in need of revision! Criticism as well as collaboration is welcome!

epithet (noun, pl. epithets; nomenclature term) – the part of a binominal that refers to the species, often a descriptive term in the form of a Latin (or Latin-sounding) adjective, that refers to a characteristic trait of a particular species, frequently also used to commemorate and honour a particular person, e. g., a famous taxonomist or a collector of a particular species. Older Floras often used to capitalize the specific epithet if it referred to a person, however, this practise is now longer accepted in the Botanical Code of Nomenclature and all epithets are no longer capitalized. The specific epithet alone is not a valid species name but always has to be used in conjunction with a genus name, and must also include a reference to the author; see species name.

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Referenced by: Basionym, Binominal, Sp., Species Name

Resources: Flora Australia Fungi