binomial nomenclature

noun

: a system of nomenclature in which each species of animal or plant receives a name of two terms of which the first identifies the genus to which it belongs and the second the species itself

Examples of binomial nomenclature in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Called binomial nomenclature, this naming system was popularized by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in the 1700s. —Nicholas Green, The Conversation, 3 June 2025

One of the most important features of taxonomy is binomial nomenclature. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 Dec. 2024

Inside scientific circles, however, binomial nomenclature still rules the day, lending concision and clarity to fields ranging from molecular biology to evolutionary ecology. —Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2023

The tradition of identifying organisms using binomial nomenclature—the two names that identify an animal to its genus and species—dates back to the 18th century. —Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for binomial nomenclature

• legislature
• nature

Kids Definition

binomial nomenclature

noun

: a system of naming plants and animals in which each species is given a name consisting of two terms of which the first names the genus and the second the species itself

Medical Definition

binomial nomenclature

noun

: a system of nomenclature in which each species of animal or plant receives a name of two terms of which the first identifies the genus to which it belongs and the second the species itself