Binomial Nomenclature (redirected from Scientific name)

binomial nomenclature

System of naming organisms in which each organism is indicated by two words, the genus (capitalized) and species (lowercase) names, both written in italics. For example, the tea rose is Rosa odorata; the common horse is Equus caballus. The system was developed by Carolus Linnaeus in the mid 18th century. The number of binomial names proliferated as new species were established and more categories were formed, and by the late 19th century the nomenclature of many groups of organisms was confused. International committees in the fields of zoology, botany, bacteriology, and virology have since established rules to clarify the situation. See also taxonomy.

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binomial nomenclature [bī′nō·mē·əl ‚nō·mən′klā·chər]

(systematics)

The Linnean system of classification requiring the designation of a binomen, the genus and species name, for every species of plant and animal.

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Binomial Nomenclature 

the designation of plants, animals, and microorganisms by a double name—by genus and species. Binomial nomenclature was introduced by C. Linnaeus, who systematically used it in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae (1759). All the generally accepted zoological and botanical nomenclature in Latin comes from this work—for example, Betula pubescens (white birch), Cervus elaphus (red deer).