lectotype
Very RareFormal, Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A single specimen or illustration designated from the original material as the nomenclatural type when no holotype was indicated by the original author.
In scientific nomenclature, particularly in biology and paleontology, a lectotype is a later-chosen type specimen that serves to fix the identity of a species or subspecies when the original author failed to designate a single holotype. It is selected from among the original syntypes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The concept is specific to taxonomic procedure. It implies a formal act of selection (lectotypification) to provide a single reference point for a scientific name, ensuring stability. It is not synonymous with 'holotype' (the original single specimen designated by the author).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both scientific communities.
Frequency
Exclusively used within taxonomic and systematic biology/paleontology. No notable frequency difference between regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The lectotype of [Species name] is [specimen identifier].[Researcher] designated [specimen] as the lectotype.A lectotype was selected from the original syntypes.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in biological taxonomy, systematic botany/zoology, and paleontology publications.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core technical term in scientific nomenclature and museum curation of biological specimens.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The lectotype designation was published in 1992.
- They studied the lectotype material in detail.
American English
- The lectotype specimen is housed at the Smithsonian.
- A formal lectotype selection was necessary.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The scientist carefully chose one fossil to be the lectotype for the species.
- In the absence of a holotype, the researcher formally designated specimen BMNH 12345 as the lectotype, thereby stabilising the nomenclature for the disputed taxon.
- The lectotype, selected from the original nineteenth-century collection, was re-examined using modern micro-CT scanning.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LECTure TYPE. In a lecture on species, you might have to SELECT (lect-) a single TYPE specimen from the original examples to show the class.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LEGAL HEIR appointed after the fact when no direct heir (holotype) was named in the will.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'лектотип' without understanding the precise taxonomic procedure it denotes. The Russian term is a direct borrowing, but the concept must be understood in the context of the International Code of Nomenclature.
- Do not confuse with 'голотип' (holotype) or 'неотип' (neotype).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lectotype' to mean any type specimen.
- Confusing 'lectotype' with 'holotype'.
- Using the term outside of scientific taxonomic context.
- Incorrectly stating a lectotype was 'discovered' rather than 'designated'.
Practice
Quiz
What is a lectotype?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A holotype is the single specimen explicitly designated by the original author at the time of publication. A lectotype is a specimen chosen later by a subsequent researcher from the original material because a holotype was not designated.
No. Lectotype designation is a formal scientific act that must be undertaken by a researcher and published in accordance with the relevant code of nomenclature (e.g., the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature).
No. It is only necessary when the original author described a species based on multiple specimens (syntypes) without singling one out as the holotype, and a single name-bearing type is needed for clarity.
Lectotypes are permanently housed in recognised scientific collections, such as natural history museums, herbaria, or other research institutions, where they are accessible for study.