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

Pegasus is the name of a software exploit product created and sold by an Israeli outfit called the NSO group, and “FORCEDENTRY” is the more specific name of the vulnerability.

From Popular-Science

In our teaching, water was given to us, and it has specific prayers and a specific name and water has a song.

From Time

Many cultures even have a specific name for the ghoulish occurrence.

From Popular-Science

Its specific name is derived from its habit of covering itself with a coating of earth, and so becoming inconspicuous.

From Project Gutenberg

The specific name recalls that gold and silver paint used to be sold in these shells (or marine mussels) for illuminating work.

From Project Gutenberg

Inornata is a very appropriate specific name for this tiny earth-brown bird, which is devoid of all kind of ornamentation.

From Project Gutenberg

So peculiar is it, that in Peru the ‘Colour de vicuña’ (vicuña colour) has become a specific name.

From Project Gutenberg

This cochineal lives by preference (at least, so it is supposed) on the evergreen oak (Quercus ilex), whence its specific name.

From Project Gutenberg