paratype: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+ / Very LowScientific / Technical
Quick answer
What does “paratype” mean?
In biological taxonomy, a specimen cited in the original description of a species that is not the holotype.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In biological taxonomy, a specimen cited in the original description of a species that is not the holotype.
A duplicate specimen that serves as a reference alongside the primary type specimen; a representative example in a typological classification system. By extension, it can refer to a secondary or parallel model in other classification systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both follow international scientific conventions.
Connotations
Purely technical; no emotional or cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and confined to specialist literature in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “paratype” in a Sentence
The specimen [is designated/ serves as/ is labelled] a paratype.The description included [several] paratypes.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paratype” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This specimen was subsequently paratyped.
American English
- The researcher chose to paratype the additional specimens.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The paratype material is stored separately.
American English
- They examined the paratype series.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in taxonomic research papers and museum collections in biology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in biological taxonomy and systematics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paratype”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paratype”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'example' or 'model'.
- Confusing it with 'holotype' (the single primary specimen).
- Mispronouncing as /ˈpærətɪp/ (should have a long 'i' /aɪ/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialized term used almost exclusively in biological taxonomy.
No, it would be confusing and inappropriate. Use terms like 'example', 'model', or 'representative' instead.
A holotype is the single specimen designated as the name-bearing type. A paratype is any other specimen cited in the original description alongside the holotype.
In British English: /ˈparətaɪp/. In American English: /ˈpɛrəˌtaɪp/. The stress is on the first syllable.
In biological taxonomy, a specimen cited in the original description of a species that is not the holotype.
Paratype is usually scientific / technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None. The word does not feature in idioms.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think PARA = 'beside' (like paramedic works beside a doctor) + TYPE. A PARATYPE is a specimen that stands beside the main type (holotype).
Conceptual Metaphor
A SECOND WITNESS (to the species description).
Practice
Quiz
What is the relationship of a paratype to a holotype?