tautonym

noun

taut·​o·​nym ˈtȯ-tə-ˌnim How to pronounce tautonym (audio)
: a taxonomic binomial in which the generic name and specific epithet are alike and which is common in zoology especially to designate a typical form but is forbidden to botany under the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature
tautonymy noun

Examples of tautonym in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Others have what's called a tautonym, a name in which the same word is used for both species and genus. National Geographic, 9 Apr. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tautonym.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tautonym was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near tautonym

Cite this Entry

“Tautonym.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tautonym. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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