topotype: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Scientific, technical (biology, zoology, geology), formal academic
Quick answer
What does “topotype” mean?
A specimen collected from the same locality as the original type specimen of a species.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specimen collected from the same locality as the original type specimen of a species.
Any specimen that serves as a representative example from the type locality; by extension, something typical of its place of origin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is international scientific jargon.
Connotations
Precise, technical, authoritative within its field.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language in both varieties; confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “topotype” in a Sentence
The [specimen] is a topotype of [species].Researchers collected a topotype from [locality].[Species] was re-described based on the topotype.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “topotype” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The museum's new acquisition is a vital topotype for the rare beetle species.
- Without a good topotype, the species description remained ambiguous.
American English
- The research team spent weeks in the field trying to secure a topotype.
- This fossil is designated as the topotype for the revised genus.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in taxonomic papers, museum catalogs, and geological reports to establish or confirm the characteristics of a species from its place of origin.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in systematics and type specimen management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “topotype”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “topotype”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “topotype”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'typical example'.
- Confusing it with 'holotype' or 'paratype'.
- Misspelling as 'topoptype' or 'toptotype'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A holotype is the single specimen designated as the name-bearing type. A topotype is any specimen collected later from the same locality as the holotype.
Extremely rarely, and only in a metaphorical sense (e.g., 'He was a topotype of a London gentleman'). In geology, it refers to rock specimens from a type locality.
As a noun: 'The museum's catalog lists three topotypes of that species.'
The standard plural is 'topotypes'.
A specimen collected from the same locality as the original type specimen of a species.
Topotype is usually scientific, technical (biology, zoology, geology), formal academic in register.
Topotype: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒp.ə.taɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑː.pə.taɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TOPOfraphy' + 'TYPE' specimen = a TOPOTYPE is the TYPical specimen from that TOPOgraphic location.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ORIGINAL BLUEPRINT FROM THE HOME FACTORY; A CITIZEN WITH PROVEN ORIGIN PAPERS.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'topotype' primarily used for?