specific name

[ spi-sif-ik neym ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. (in binomial nomenclature ) the second part, always lowercased, of an animal species’ scientific name, but not applicable to plant species: for example, the species Sciurus carolinensis is a squirrel, as all squirrels belong to the genus Sciurus , but it is the specific name carolinensis that identifies the particular species, which is the eastern gray squirrel.

Word History and Origins

Origin of specific name¹

First recorded in 1750–55

Example Sentences

However, he did not provide a specific name, leaving it unclear whether he was referring to Yadav, who is widely speculated to be the same person.

From BBC

“With neither President Biden nor former President Trump knocking it out of the park on favorability, almost half of the country would consider another option. No specific name for the candidate, no specific designation for the party, but it is a vivid indication that for many voters, the status quo is a no-go,” Quinnipiac University Polling analyst Tim Malloy said.

From Washington Times

“We care about this grape so much we gave each variety a specific name,” Chen said.

From Washington Post

With Italy known for its prosecco, Spain for cava and France for champagne, he believes Wales' "deliciously diverse" sparkling wine could benefit from a widely known specific name.

From BBC

The source of Angels star Mike Trout’s back injury has a more specific name: costovertebral dysfunction, the team said Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times