taxon

[ tak-son ]

noun

, plural tax·a [tak, -s, uh].

1. a taxonomic category, as a species or genus.

taxon

/ ˈtæksɒn /

noun

1. biology any taxonomic group or rank

taxon

/ tăk′sŏn′ /

, Plural taxa

1. A taxonomic category or group, such as a phylum, order, family, genus, or species.

Word History and Origins

Origin of taxon¹

First recorded in 1945–50; from Greek táx(is) “arranged, put in order” + -on neuter noun ending; taxis ¹, -on ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of taxon¹

C20: back formation from taxonomy

Example Sentences

"Our study shows that even for a highly adaptable taxon like octopuses, they may not be able to survive future ocean changes."

From Science Daily

When examining changes by taxon, over 95% of bird and insect species were predicted to experience a change in the number of cities they occupy.

From Science Daily

Such dramatic taxonomic reappraisals in highly conspicuous and well-known "flagship" taxa are very unusual.

From Science Daily

In their study, published this week in mSystems, the researchers found more unique bacteria taxa in children of normal weight than in overweight or obese children.

From Science Daily

Researchers report February 29 in the journal Cell Reports that the Golgi ribbon, an organelle structure previously thought to be exclusive to vertebrates, is also present in animal taxa, including mollusks, earthworms, and sea urchins.

From Science Daily