To save this word, you'll need to log in.
nomen nu·dum | \ -ˈnü-dəm 
, -ˈnyü-\
, -ˈnyü-\ plural nomina nuda\ -ˈnü-də , -ˈnyü- \
, -ˈnyü- \Definition of nomen nudum
: 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
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on nomen nudum
What made you want to look up nomen nudum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Confusing Words—A Quiz
- I invented a brand new toaster robot and
______it "Sir Toasts-a-Lot."
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Confusing Words—A Quiz
Test your knowledge of these commonly confused words!
Take the quiz - Here Be Dragons: A Creature Identification Quiz Take the quiz
- Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Add Diction
Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.
Play the game
Share nomen nudum
Resources for nomen nudum