nomen nudum

noun

no·​men nu·​dum ˈnō-mən-ˈnü-dəm How to pronounce nomen nudum (audio)
-ˈnyü-
plural nomina nuda ˈnä-mə-nə-ˈnü-də How to pronounce nomen nudum (audio)
-ˈnyü-,
ˈnō-
: a proposed taxonomic name that is invalid because the group designated is not described or illustrated sufficiently for recognition, that has no nomenclatural status, and that consequently can be used as though never previously proposed

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, bare name

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nomen nudum was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near nomen nudum

Cite this Entry

“Nomen nudum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nomen%20nudum. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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