English

Noun

specific epithet ‎(plural specific epithets)

1. (taxonomy, botany) The second (uncapitalized) word in the scientific name of a species, following the name of the genus.

   In Cannabis sativa the word sativa is the specific epithet.

Usage notes

• The term specific epithet usually refers to the second element in the formal name of a plant, fungus, or bacterium. The corresponding element in the formal name of an animal is normally called its specific name.

Related terms

• epithet
• species

Translations