: the Latin or latinized noun or adjective that follows the genus name in a taxonomic binomial
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe specific epithet further divided those genera into smaller groups of individuals that shared more and finer-scale characteristics. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 Oct. 2020
Word History
First Known Use
1906, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
specific epithet
noun
: the Latin or latinized noun or adjective that follows the genus name in a taxonomic binomial