specific name: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “specific name” mean?
The second word in the binomial nomenclature of an organism, identifying the particular species within a genus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The second word in the binomial nomenclature of an organism, identifying the particular species within a genus.
In taxonomy, the unique second term in a two-part scientific name for a species (e.g., 'sapiens' in Homo sapiens), which always follows the generic name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None. Usage is identical in all scientific English contexts.
Connotations
The term is purely denotative, with no connotative differences between regions.
Frequency
Use is restricted to scientific, particularly biological, discourse with equal frequency in all regions.
Grammar
How to Use “specific name” in a Sentence
The [Genus] [specific name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in biological sciences, taxonomy, and related academic writing.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A core term in biological taxonomy and systematics, essential for precise species identification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “specific name”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “specific name”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “specific name”
- Capitalizing the specific name (e.g., Homo Sapiens).
- Using it without a genus name in formal scientific writing.
- Failing to italicize or underline it in manuscripts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'species name' is the full binomial (e.g., Homo sapiens). The 'specific name' is just the second part of it (e.g., sapiens).
Yes, in formal scientific writing, the entire binomial (genus and specific name) is italicized (or underlined if handwritten).
Yes. For example, 'vulgaris' (meaning common) is the specific name for many species, such as Beta vulgaris (beetroot) and Sturnus vulgaris (common starling).
They are traditionally Latin or Latinized words from any language, following the rules of Latin grammar, which is why the term is also called the 'Latin name'.
The second word in the binomial nomenclature of an organism, identifying the particular species within a genus.
Specific name is usually technical / academic in register.
Specific name: in British English it is pronounced /spɪˌsɪfɪk ˈneɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /spɪˌsɪfɪk ˈneɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SPECIES-specific name' – it's the name that pinpoints the exact species after the broader genus.
Conceptual Metaphor
A personal surname (the genus) followed by a unique, personal first name (the specific name) that identifies one individual within the family.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following correctly describes a 'specific name'?