Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

nomen novum

noun
nomen no·​vum | \ -ˈnōvəm\
plural nomina nova\ -​və \

Definition of nomen novum

: a taxonomic name for a plant or animal substituted for an untenable one

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for nomen novum

Latin, new name

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about nomen novum

Statistics for nomen novum

Look-up Popularity

Comments on nomen novum

What made you want to look up nomen novum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

issuable

Listen to the pronounciation of issuable

authorized for issue (as a bond)

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Musical Words Quiz

  • gramophone
  • Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games