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List of Latin and Greek words commonly used in systematic names
View on WikipediaThis list of Latin and Greek words commonly used in systematic names is intended to help those unfamiliar with classical languages to understand and remember the scientific names of organisms. The binomial nomenclature used for animals and plants is largely derived from Latin and Greek words, as are some of the names used for higher taxa, such as orders and above. At the time when biologist Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) published the books that are now accepted as the starting point of binomial nomenclature, Latin was used in Western Europe as the common language of science, and scientific names were in Latin or Greek: Linnaeus continued this practice.
While learning Latin is now less common, it is still used by classical scholars, and for certain purposes in botany, medicine and the Roman Catholic Church, and it can still be found in scientific names. It is helpful to be able to understand the source of scientific names. Although the Latin names do not always correspond to the current English common names, they are often related, and if their meanings are understood, they are easier to recall. The binomial name often reflects limited knowledge or hearsay about a species at the time it was named. For instance Pan troglodytes, the chimpanzee, and Troglodytes troglodytes, the wren, are not necessarily cave-dwellers.
Sometimes a genus name or specific descriptor is simply the Latin or Greek name for the animal (e.g. Canis is Latin for dog). These words may not be included in the table below if they only occur for one or two taxa. Instead, the words listed below are the common adjectives and other modifiers that repeatedly occur in the scientific names of many organisms (in more than one genus).
Adjectives vary according to gender, and in most cases only the lemma form (nominative singular masculine form) is listed here. 1st-and-2nd-declension adjectives end in -us (masculine), -a (feminine) and -um (neuter), whereas 3rd-declension adjectives ending in -is (masculine and feminine) change to -e (neuter). For example, verus is listed without the variants for Aloe vera or Galium verum.
The second part of a binomial is often a person's name in the genitive case, ending -i (masculine) or -ae (feminine), such as Kaempfer's tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus kaempferi. The name may be converted into a Latinised form first, giving -ii and -iae instead.
Words that are very similar to their English forms have been omitted.
Some of the Greek transliterations given are Ancient Greek, and others are Modern Greek.
In the tables, L = Latin, G = Greek, and LG = similar in both languages.
A
[edit]B
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| baccatus | L | berry-bearing | common yew, Taxus baccata; Conus baccatus, a sea snail | baccatus – baccata – baccatum |
| barbatus | L barba | bearded | bearded catasetum, Catasetum barbatum; bearded seal, Erignathus barbatus; black-chinned siskin, Spinus barbata; Bornean bearded pig, Sus barbatus; golden-beard penstemon, Penstemon barbatus | barbatus – barbata – barbatum |
| bicolor | L | two-colored | bicolor angelfish, Centropyge bicolor; bicolor cleanerfish, Labroides bicolor; bicolored moth, Manulea bicolor | bicolor |
| bicoloratus | L | two-colored | bicolored angle, Macaria bicolorata; Kenya two-headed snake, Micrelaps bicoloratus; orchid, Bulbophyllum bicoloratum | bicoloratus – bicolorata – bicoloratum |
| bicornis | L | two-horned | black rhinoceros, Diceros bicornis | bicornis |
| biennis | L | of two years, lasting two years | Crepis biennis | biennis |
| bios | G βίος (bíos) | life | amphibian; biota, all living things | bios |
| blandus | L | pleasant, smooth, alluring | Greek windflower, Anemone blanda; Mallos blandus, a spider | blandus – blanda – blandum |
| borealis | L | northern | northern right whale dolphin, Lissodelphis borealis sei whale, Balaenoptera borealis northern bedstraw, Galium boreale |
borealis – boreale |
| brachion | G βραχίων (brakhíōn) | arm | Przewalski's gerbil, Brachiones przewalskii; Brachiopoda (phylum); Brachiosaurus | All pages with titles beginning with Brachio |
| brasiliensis | L | Brazilian | Brazilian brown bat Eptesicus brasiliensis | All pages with titles containing Brasiliensis |
| brachy- | G βραχύς (brakhús) | short | Brazilian gold frog, Brachycephalus didactylus | All pages with titles beginning with Brachy |
| brachyphyllus | G | short-leaved | extinct plant genus, Brachyphyllum; flower, Colchicum brachyphyllum; leaf-nosed bats, Brachyphylla; shortleaf baccharis, Baccharis brachyphylla; see also brevifolius |
brachyphyllus – brachyphylla – brachyphyllum |
| brady- | G βραδύς (bradús) | slow | pygmy three-toed sloth, Bradypus pygmaeus | All pages with titles beginning with Brady |
| branchia | G βράγχιον (bránkhion) | gills | Lamellibranchia (class, syn. Bivalva); Branchiopoda (class, brine shrimps) | All pages with titles beginning with Branchi |
| brasiliensis | L | from Brazil | Brazilian marsh rat, Holochilus brasiliensis; Brazilian stick mantis, Brunneria brasiliensis; rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis | brasiliensis – brasiliense |
| brevi- | L brevis | short | silvery-cheeked hornbill, Ceratogymna brevis | brevis – breve – All pages with titles beginning with Brevi |
| brevicaudatus | L | short-tailed | bearded leaf chameleon, Rieppeleon brevicaudatus; sea snail, Lophiotoma brevicaudata; short-tailed ceratosoma, Ceratosoma brevicaudatum | brevicaudatus – brevicaudata – brevicaudatum |
| brevicollis | L | short-necked | short-necked oil beetle, Meloe brevicollis | brevicollis – brevicolle |
| brevifolius | L | short-leaved | Joshua tree, Yucca brevifolia; short-leaved dudleya, Dudleya blochmaniae subsp. brevifolia; shortleaf sneezeweed, Helenium brevifolium; zig-zag bog-rush, Schoenus brevifolius; see also brachyphyllus |
brevifolius – brevifolia – brevifolium |
| brevirostris | L | short beak | pignosed arrowtooth eel, Dysomma brevirostre; shortnose ponyfish, Leiognathus brevirostris |
brevirostris – brevirostre |
| britannicus | L | from Great Britain | Rumex britannica, a knotweed; British yellowhead, Inula britannica; Cortinarius britannicus, a mushroom; Geastrum britannicum, an earthstar fungus | britannicus – britannica – britannicum |
| bulbus | G βολβός | bulb | bulbous buttercup, Ranunculus bulbosus; onion cone, Conus bulbus |
bulbus – bulbosus – bulbosa |
C
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| caecus | L | blind | blind mole, Talpa caeca; northern eyed hawkmoth, Smerinthus caecus | caecus – caeca – caecum |
| caeruleus | L | blue | Eurasian blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus; blue passion flower, Passiflora caerulea | caeruleus – caerulea – caeruleum |
| californicus | L | California | California blue dorid, Felimare californiensis | californicus – californica – californiensis |
| callosus | L | calloused | large vesper mouse, Calomys callosus; tree fern, Cyathea callosa; orchid, Paphiopedilum callosum | callosus – callosa – callosum |
| calvus | L | bald | Altolamprologus calvus, Isbrueckerichthys calvus, both fish Banasa calva, a stink bug; Trichocorixa calva, a water boatman Intrasporangium calvum, a bacterium; Bulbophyllum calvum, an orchid |
calvus- calva – calvum |
| cambricus | L, from Cambria | from Wales | wild cotoneaster, Cotoneaster cambricus; Alalcomenaeus cambricus, fossil arthropod Welsh wave, Venusia cambrica; Welsh eyebright, Euphrasia cambrica Welsh poppy, Papaver cambricum; limestone polypody, Polypodium cambricum Welsh groundsel, Senecio cambrensis; Flexicalymene cambrensis, a fossil trilobite |
cambricus – cambrica – cambricum – cambrensis |
| canadensis | L | from Canada | bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis | canadensis – canadense |
| candidus | L | brightly white, shining white | Madonna lily, Lilium candidum | candidus – candida – candidum |
| canescens | L | turning grey- or white-haired | Geraea canescens (desert sunflower); Atriplex canescens | canescens |
| canis | L | dog | coyote, Canis latrans; Dipylidium caninum (a tapeworm) | canis – caninus – canina – caninum |
| canorus | L canōrus | melodious | common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus; Chinese hwamei, Garrulax canorus Cuban grassquit, Phonipara canora; Campylocheta canora, a tachinid fly |
canorus – canora – canorum |
| canus | L | gray (haired), pale gray | grey-headed woodpecker, Picus canus; woolly groundsel, Senecio canus | canus – cana – canum |
| caprae | L | of a goat | Staphylococcus caprae | caprae – capri |
| castaneus | L | chestnut(-colored) | chestnut bolete, Gyroporus castaneus; reddish carpenter ant, Camponotus castaneus chestnut, Castanea; chestnut short-tailed bat, Carollia castanea chestnut leek orchid, Prasophyllum castaneum; red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum |
castaneus – castanea – castaneum |
| cauda | L | tail | long-tailed tit, Aegithalos caudatus; thintail skate, Dipturus leptocaudus; northern short-tailed shrew, Blarina brevicauda | |
| caulos | G καυλός (kaulós) | stem, stalk | stemless gentian, Gentiana acaulis | acaulis – acaule |
| cephalo- | G κεφαλή (kephalḗ) | head | Mediterranean gull, Larus melanocephalus; blue-spotted grouper, Cephalopholis argus | All pages with titles beginning with Cephal |
| -ceps | L caput | head | pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps; biceps (two-headed muscle) | |
| ceros | L cornū G κέρας (kéras) | horn | narwal, Monodon monoceros; rhinoceros (nose horn) | |
| cest | L cestus G κεστός (kestós) | girdle, belt, stitched | Cestoda | All pages with titles beginning with Cest |
| chaetes | G χαίτη (khaítē) | flowing hair, or mane | wildebeest, Connochaetes gnou; bristle worms, Polychaeta; earthworms, Oligochaeta | |
| chilensis | L | from Chile | paradise tanager, Tangara chilensis | chilensis – chilense |
| chinensis | L | from China | China rose, Rosa chinensis; Chinese onion, Allium chinense; Chinese sumac, Rhus chinensis; see also Sinense, below |
chinensis – chinense |
| chloro- | G χλωρός (khlōrós) | pale green | common moorhen, Gallinula chloropus; green algae, Chlorophyta | All pages with titles beginning with Chloro |
| chordatus | L | spined | chordates; Stylephorus chordatus, Tinospora cordifolia | chordatus – chordata – chordatum |
| chroma | G χρῶμα (khrôma) | color | clown loach, Chromobotia macracanthus | All pages with titles beginning with Chrom |
| chrysos | G χρυσός (khrusós) | gold | Chrysochloridae (golden moles); golden pheasant, Chrysolophus pictus; maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus; Chrysophyceae (golden algae) see also aureus |
All pages with titles beginning with Chryso |
| chrysophyllus | G | gold-leaved | golden chinquapin, Chrysolepis chrysophylla; golden-leaved Jerusalem sage, Phlomis chrysophylla; satinleaf, Chrysophyllum oliviforme |
chrysophyllus – chrysophylla – chrysophyllum |
| cilium | L | eyelash | Ashland thistle, Cirsium ciliolatum; bristleworm, Polydora ciliata; eyelash gecko, Correlophus ciliatus; queen angelfish, Holacanthus ciliaris; Australian red cedar, Toona ciliata; sickle-leaved cymodocea, Thalassodendron ciliatum |
ciliaris – ciliare – ciliatus – ciliata – ciliatum – ciliolatum |
| cinereus | L | ash, ash-colored | masked shrew, Sorex cinereus; Australian sea lion, Neophoca cinerea; gray thrasher, Toxostoma cinereum; common gray fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus |
cinereus – cinerea – cinereum |
| cirrhus | G κιρρός (kirrhós) | orange | fringe-lipped bat, Trachops cirrhosus; mrigal carp, Cirrhinus cirrhosus; silverspotted sculpin, Blepsias cirrhosus |
cirrhosus – cirrhosa – cirrhosum |
| citri | L | citrus | the citrus blossom moth, Prays citri | citri |
| colchicus | L | from Colchis (Greek Κολχῐ́ς, Kolchís) or Georgia | common pheasant, Phasianus colchicus; Phoxinus colchicus, a minnow Caucasian bladdernut, Staphylea colchica; Colchic holly, Ilex colchica Colchic nase, Chondrostoma colchicum; Cyclamen colchicum, a primrose |
colchicus – colchica – colchicum |
| cneme | G κνήμη (knḗmē) | shin, leg | white-legged damselfly, Platycnemis pennipes | |
| -cola | L -cola | inhabitant | Eurasian woodcock, Scolopax rusticola; paddyfield warbler, Acrocephalus agricola The forms -colus and -colum are also found, although they are not considered to be correct Latin: deepwater grenadier, Coryphaenoides profundicolus; black-sided flowerpecker, Dicaeum monticolum.[2] |
|
| clathratus | L | grated, latticed | kelp bass, Paralabrax clathratus; clathrate nassa, Nassarius clathratus slender-armed starfish, Luidia clathrata; latticed sandperch, Parapercis clathrata Allium clathratum, an onion; Vexillum clathratum, a sea snail |
clathratus – clathrata – clathratum |
| collaris | L | collared | ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris; collared pika, Ochotona collaris collared carpetshark, Parascyllium collare; mottled sand grasshopper, Spharagemon collare |
collaris – collare |
| communis | L | common | common juniper, Juniperus communis; common myrtle, Myrtus communis star jelly, Nostoc commune; great golden maidenhair, Polytrichum commune |
communis – commune |
| compressus | L compressus | slender, pressed together | slender oatgrass, Danthonia compressa; slender crayfish, Faxonius compressus emerald cockroach wasp, Ampulex compressa; empire gudgeon, Hypseleotris compressa Dendrobium compressum, an orchid |
compressus – compressa – compressum |
| concolor | L | having uniform color throughout | cougar, Puma concolor; white fir, Abies concolor | |
| conno- | G κόννος (kónnos) | beard | wildebeest, Connochaetes gnou | All pages with titles beginning with Conno |
| copros | G κόπρος (kópros) | excrement | Copris, genus of dung beetles; coprophilous, 'growing on animal dung' |
|
| corax | L corvus G κόραξ (kórax) | crow, raven | common raven, Corvus corax | corax |
| cordatus | L | heart-shaped | cordate (leaf shape); small-leaved lime, Tilia cordata; sea potato, Echinocardium cordatum |
cordatus – cordata – cordatum |
| cordifolius | L | heart-shaped leaves | heartleaf aster, Symphyotrichum cordifolium; heart-leaved moonseed, Tinospora cordifolia; Tucson bur ragweed, Ambrosia cordifolia |
cordifolius – cordifolia – cordifolium |
| coriaceus | L, from corium ("leather") | leathery | Pajahuello tick, Ornithodoros coriaceus; beach bird's eye, Alectryon coriaceus blue china vine, Holboellia coriacea; leatherback sea turtle, Dermochelys coriacea green tea-tree, Leptospermum coriaceum; inland rock orchid, Dendrobium coriaceum |
coriaceus – coriacea – coriaceum |
| cornu | L cornū | horn | garden snail, Cornu aspersum; great ramshorn, Planorbarius corneus |
All pages with titles beginning with Cornu |
| coronatus | L | crowned | crowned lemur, Eulemur coronatus; crowned turban shell, Lunella coronata |
coronatus – coronata – coronatum |
| costatus | L | ribbed | ribbed slipper shell, Maoricrypta costata; striped Raphael catfish, Platydoras costatus | costatus – costata – costatum |
| crassus, crassi- | L | thick, fat | creeping blueberry, Vaccinium crassifolium; inflated spiny crab, Rochinia crassa; mouthless crab, Cardisoma crassum |
crassus – crassa – crassum |
| cristatus | L | crested | aardwolf, Proteles cristatus; blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata; crested wheatgrass, Agropyron cristatum |
cristatus – cristata – cristatum |
| crocos | G κρόκος (krókos) | yellow | bicoloured white-toothed shrew, Crocidura leucodon; saffron, Crocus sativus; spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta |
All pages with titles beginning with croc |
| cryo- | G κρύος (krúos) | cold | Cryodraco; Cryolophosaurus; Cryosophila | All pages with titles beginning with Cryo |
| crypto- | G κρυπτός (kruptós) | hidden | Cryptococcus; Cryptosporidium | All pages with titles beginning with Crypto |
| culminicola | L | summit dweller | Elaeocarpus culminicola; Euxoa culminicola; Pinus culminicola, Potosi pinyon | All pages with titles containing culminicola |
| cursor | L | runner, racer | cream-colored courser, Cursorius cursor; cursorial akodont, Akodon cursor; Lacépède's ground snake, Erythrolamprus cursor | cursor |
| curvirostris | L | curved beak | boxer snipe eel, Nemichthys curvirostris; curve-billed thrasher, Toxostoma curvirostre |
curvirostris – curvirostre |
| cyano- | G κυανός (kuanós) | blue-green | azure-winged magpie, Cyanopica cyanus; big blue octopus, Octopus cyanea; blue orchid, Aganisia cyanea |
All pages with titles beginning with Cyano – cyaneus – cyanea – cyaneum |
D
[edit]E
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Example | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eburneus | L eburneus | ivory-colored | ivory gull, Pagophila eburnea | eburneus – eburnea – eburneum |
| echinatus | L | prickly, spiny | Edisto crayfish, Procambarus echinatus; shortleaf pine, Pinus echinata | echinatus – echinata – echinatum |
| echino- | L echīnus G ἐχῖνος (ekhînos) | hedgehog, sea-urchin | great globe thistle, Echinops sphaerocephalus; diadema urchin, Echinothrix diadema; San Pedro cactus, Echinopsis pachanoi | All pages with titles beginning with Echino |
| edulis | L | edible | common cockle, Cerastoderma edule; king bolete, Boletus edulis; oyster, Ostrea edulis; passion fruit, Passiflora edulis | edulis – edule |
| elatior | L | taller | true oxlip, Primula elatior | elatior |
| electro- | G ἤλεκτρον (ḗlektron) | amber, amber-colored or
electric (modern usage) |
broad-billed motmot, Electron platyrhynchum; electric eel, Electrophorus electricus |
No simple way to distinguish biological from other uses |
| elegans | L | elegant | crimson rosella, Platycercus elegans ; Granastyochus elegantissimus; Iris iberica subsp. elegantissima; false aralia, Plerandra elegantissima; Caecum elegantissimum |
elegans – elegantissimus – elegantissima – elegantissimum |
| emarginatus | L | having no edges | Phongolo suckermouth, Chiloglanis emarginatus; Gibraltar sea lavender, Limonium emarginatum; acerola, Malpighia emarginata; bitter cherry, Prunus emarginata |
emarginatus – emarginata – emarginatum |
| enanti- | G ἐναντίος (enantíos) | opposite, against | Enantiornithes | All pages with titles beginning with Enantio |
| ennea- | G ἐννέα (ennéa) | nine | banded sunfish Enneacanthus obesus; scurvy-grass sorrel, Oxalis enneaphylla | All pages with titles beginning with Ennea |
| ensatus | L | sword-like | California giant salamander, Dicamptodon ensatus | ensatus – ensata – ensatum |
| ensis, ensi- | L | sword, lance | jackknife clam, Ensis minor; swordleaf rush, Juncus ensifolius | All pages with titles beginning with Ensi – ensiformis |
| -ensis | L | of, from (a place) | Tadarida brasiliensis (Brazilian free-tailed bat); Lucy, Australopithecus afarensis | |
| eques | L | knight, horseman | North Atlantic codling, Lepidion eques ; western horse lubber grasshopper, Taeniopoda eques; leafy seadragon, Phycodurus eques Aspergillus equitis; Cygnus equitum; Hoheria equitum |
eques |
| erectus | L | upright | Homo erectus ("upright man"); upright chickweed, Moenchia erecta | erectus – erecta – erectum |
| erio- | G ἔριον (érion) | wool, woolly | common cottongrass, Eriophorum angustifolium | All pages with titles beginning with Erio |
| erosus | L | indented, jagged, serrated | jícama, Pachyrhizus erosus; serrated hinge-back tortoise, Kinixys erosa | erosus – erosa – erosum |
| erythro- | G ἐρυθρός (eruthrós) | red[3] | spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus; dog's-tooth violet, Erythronium dens-canis | All pages with titles beginning with Erythro |
| esculentus | L | edible | edible frog, Pelophylax kl. esculentus; Gyromitra esculenta | esculentus esculenta esculentum |
| europaeus | L | European | European hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus; European owl moth, Brahmaea europaea | europaeus – europaea – europaeum |
| Euryops | G | wide-eyed | euryops, plant genus; Goiter blacksmelt, Bathylagus euryops | euryops |
| excelsus | L | exalted | African teak, Milicia excelsa; excelsior cone, Conus excelsus | excelsus – excelsa – excelsum |
| exiguus | L | small, slight | scanty frog, Cophixalus exiguus; tongue louse, Cymothoa exigua; obese thorn snail, Carychium exiguum | exiguus – exigua – exiguum |
F
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fallax | L | false | false swift, Borbo fallax; green marvel, Acronicta fallax | fallax |
| falx | L | sickle | sickle milkvetch, Astragalus falcatus; sickle-leaved hare's-ear, Bupleurum falcatum; sicklethorn, Asparagus falcatus; wild pear, Persoonia falcata | falcatus – falcata – falcatum – falciformis – falx |
| familiaris | L | domestic, common, familiar | dog, Canis lupus familiaris | |
| felis | L | cat | black-footed cat, Felis nigripes; cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis | |
| felinus | L | cat-like, feline | cat gecko, Aeluroscalabotes felinus; marine otter, Lontra felina | felinus – felina – felinum |
| -fer | L | -bearing | western honey bee, Apis mellifera; coconut, Cocos nucifera | |
| ferox | L | ferocious, wild, bold | long snouted lancetfish, Alepisaurus ferox; fossa, Cryptoprocta ferox | ferox |
| ferus | L | wild | wild horse, Equus ferus; wild Bactrian camel, Camelus ferus | ferus – fera – ferum |
| ferrugo | L | rust | ferruginous swift, Borbo ferruginea; reddish-brown corky spine fungus, Hydnellum ferrugineum; rusty bloodwood, Corymbia ferruginea; rusty parrotfish, Scarus ferrugineus; rusty pitohui, Pseudorectes ferrugineus |
ferrugineus – ferruginea – ferrugineum |
| fidelis | L | faithful | faithful sea slug, Goniobranchus fidelis; faithful leafcutting bee, Megachile fidelis; Pacific sideband, Monadenia fidelis | fidelis |
| filum | L | thread | desert fan palm, Washingtonia filifera; thread fern, Blechnum filiforme; thread-leaved sundew, Drosera filiformis | filifer – filifera – filiformis – filiforme |
| fimbriatus | L | fringed, fibrous | Coomsaharn char, Salvelinus fimbriatus; crested gliding lizard, Draco fimbriatus trumpet cup lichen, Cladonia fimbriata; fringed jumping spider, Portia fimbriata fringed earthstar, Geastrum fimbriatum; gang-gang cockatoo, Callocephalon fimbriatum |
fimbriatus – fimbriata – fimbriatum |
| flavus | L | golden yellow, light yellow | yellow pitcher plant, Sarracenia flava; yellow-necked mouse, Apodemus flavicollis | flavus – flava – flavum |
| floridus | L | flowery | blue palo verde, Parkinsonia florida; floral banded wobbegong, Orectolobus floridus | floridus – floridum |
| flor- | L flos | flower | southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora; great white trillium, Trillium grandiflorum | All pages with titles beginning with flori |
| fodiens | L fodere | digging | burying beetle, Nicrophorus defodiens; burying beetle, Nicrophorus infodiens; Eurasian water shrew, Neomys fodiens; lowland burrowing tree frog, Smilisca fodiens | |
| folium | L | leaf | Foliicolous, 'growing on leaves'; American beech, Fagus grandifolia; broad-leaved sermountain, Laserpitium latifolium; Chinese elm, Ulmus parvifolia; Joshua tree, Yucca brevifolia; upright snottygobble, Persoonia longifolia | |
| formosanus | L fōrmōsānus | from Taiwan (formerly called Formosa) | Formosan black bear, Ursus thibetanus formosanus; Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Taiwan flower mantis, Acromantis formosana; Taiwanese sweet gum, Liquidambar formosana red quinoa, Chenopodium formosanum; Taiwan saddled carpetshark, Cirrhoscyllium formosanum |
formosanus – formosana – formosanum |
| formosus | L fōrmōsus | (well-)formed, beautiful | beautiful bronzeback tree snake, Dendrelaphis formosus; Asian arowana, Scleropages formosus Baikal teal, Sibirionetta formosa; least killifish, Heterandria formosa giant maidenhair, Adiantum formosum; beautiful giant-flowered dendrobium, Dendrobium formosum |
formosus – formosa – formosum |
| fragilis | L frangere | breakable | brittle bladder-fern, Cystopteris fragilis; brittle willow, Salix × fragilis; candy cap, Lactarius fragilis; Dientamoeba fragilis; dead man's fingers, Codium fragile; fragile wart frog, Limnonectes fragilis | fragilis |
| fructus | L | fruit | Aspergillus fructus, a fungus species; fructose, fruit sugar; fructicolous, 'growing on fruit' | |
| fuliginosus | L | sooty | jet black ant, Lasius fuliginosus; ruby tiger, Phragmatobia fuliginosa; sooty hairstreak, Satyrium fuliginosum; sooty milkcap, Lactarius fuliginosus | fuliginosus – fuliginosa – fuliginosum |
| fulvus | L | deep yellow, tawny | Pacific golden plover, Pluvialis fulva; sulphur leather coral, Rhytisma fulvum; tawny grisette, Amanita fulva; yellow ground squirrel, Spermophilus fulvus | fulvus – fulva – fulvum |
| furcatus | L | forked | forked viburnum, Viburnum furcatum; forked wormwood, Artemisia furcata; swallow-tailed gull, Creagrus furcatus | furcatus – furcata – furcatum |
| fuscus | L | dark, dark brown | dusky hopping mouse, Notomys fuscus; dusky pitcher-plant, Nepenthes fusca; rusty peat moss, Sphagnum fuscum; sooty tern, Sterna fuscata | fuscus – fusca – fuscum |
G
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| gala, galum | G γάλα (gála) | milk | soap plants, Chlorogalum | |
| garrulus | L | chattering, talkative | Garrulus, a genus of jays; Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus Eupithecia garrula, an inchworm moth; chestnut-winged chachalaca, Ortalis garrula Chelostoma garrulum, a carder bee; Omicron garrulum, a potter wasp |
garrulus – garrula – garrulum |
| gaster, gastro-, gastr- | L gaster G γαστήρ (gastḗr) | belly | common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster; Gastropoda | |
| geo- | G γαῖα, γῆ (gê) | Earth | Conus geographus, geography cone; Geotrichum | |
| giganteus | L | giant | giganteus (a sea snail); Aldabra giant tortoise, Aldabrachelys gigantea | giganteus – gigantea – giganteum |
| gigas | G γίγας | giant | Humboldt squid, Dosidicus gigas; snow morel, Gyromitra gigas; cœur de la mer, Entada gigas | All pages with titles containing gigas |
| glaber | L glaber | smooth; hairless[4] | naked mole-rat, Heterocephalus glaber; smooth sumac, Rhus glabra; Omphiscola glabra (a snail) | glaber – glabra – glabrum |
| glacialis | L | found in glaciers | North Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena glacialis; glacier wormwood, Artemisia glacialis glacier lantern fish, Benthosema glaciale; Endocellion glaciale, a daisy |
glacialis – glaciale |
| glandulosus | L | having kernels | Tasmanian laurel, Anopterus glandulosus, Basilan Island caecilian, Ichthyophis glandulosus; honey mesquite, Prosopis glandulosa, warty jumping-slug, Hemphillia glandulosa; skunk currant, Ribes glandulosum, |
glandulosus – glandulosa – glandulosum |
| glaucus | L glaucus G γλαυκός (glaukós) | blue-green, blue-gray, gleaming | silvery blue butterfly, Lepidochrysops glauca; Glaucidae, nudibranch family | glaucus – glauca – glaucum |
| glutinosus | L glutinosus | sticky | common alder, Alnus glutinosa; viscid black earth tongue, Glutinoglossum glutinosum; northern slimy salamander, Plethodon glutinosus |
glutinosus – glutinosa – glutinosum |
| glyco-, glycy-, glyc- | G γλυκύς (glukús) | sweet | liquorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra; soybean, Glycine max | |
| gonatista | G γονατιστα | kneeling | lichen mimic, Gonatista grisea | gonatista |
| gracilis, gracile | L | slender, graceful | western spotted skunk, Spilogale gracilis; slough darter, Etheostoma gracile; Gracilisuchus | gracilis – gracile |
| gracilipes | L grăcĭlĭpes[5] | slender-footed | slender frog, Austrochaperina gracilipes; slender-legged bushfrog, Gracixalus gracilipes; slenderstalk monkeyflower, Mimulus gracilipes; slimfoot century plant, Agave gracilipes | gracilipes |
| graniticus | L | granite | granite claw flower, Calothamnus graniticus; granite poverty bush, Eremophila granitica; granite serpentweed, Tonestus graniticus |
graniticus – granitica – graniticum |
| graveolens | L gravis | strong-smelling | common rue, Ruta graveolens; lippia, Lippia graveolens | graveolens |
| gregarius | L gregārius, from grex (“flock, herd”) | sociable | sociable lapwing, Vanellus gregarius; goldfish plant, Nematanthus gregarius; desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria; Leptospermum gregarium, an Australian myrtle | gregarius – gregaria – gregarium |
| griseus | L (a Neo-Latin loanword from Germanic) | grey | desert monitor, Varanus griseus; bluntnose sixgill shark, Hexanchus griseus; parent bug, Elasmucha grisea; lichen mimic, Gonatista grisea paperbark maple, Acer griseum; white-banded house jumping spider, Hypoblemum griseum |
griseus – grisea – griseum |
| groenlandicus | L | from Greenland (Old Norse Grœnland) | harp seal, Pagophilus groenlandicus; spiny lobster, Lebbeus groenlandicus Arctic woolly bear moth, Gynaephora groenlandica; elephanthead lousewort, Pedicularis groenlandica bog Labrador tea, Rhododendron groenlandicum |
groenlandicus – groenlandica – groenlandicum |
| gyrino-, gyrinus | G γυρῖνος (gurînos) | tadpole | spring salamander, Gyrinophilus porphyriticus; e.g. Crassigyrinus, Proterogyrinus |
H
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| haema-, hema- | G αἷμα (haîma) | blood | Haemosporida; Bacteria sp., Haemophilus influenzae, House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus | |
| hali-, halio- | G ἅλς (háls) | of the sea, salt | Steller's sea eagle, Haliaeetus pelagicus; grey seal, Halichoerus grypus; black abalone, Haliotis cracherodii | |
| hamatus | L | hooked | Slender-billed kite, Helicolestes hamatus; Ruitersbos pincushion, Leucospermum hamatum; Dark Tiger (butterfly) Tirumala hamata | hamatus – hamatum – hamata |
| haplo- | G ἁπλόος (haplóos) | simple, single | mountain beaver, Aplodontia rufa; Mongolosaurus haplodon | |
| hedra- | G ἕδρα (hédra) | seat, facet | Chinese ephedra, Ephedra sinica | |
| helio- | G ἥλιος (hḗlios) | sun | sunflower, Helianthus annuus; sun spurge, Euphorbia helioscopia | |
| hemisphaerica | G | half-sphere | sand laurel oak, Quercus hemisphaerica, sulphur rose, Rosa hemisphaerica | Hemisphaerica |
| hetero- | G | diversely or different | melancholy thistle, Cirsium heterophyllum, Leucanthemum heterophyllum, Smith's cress, Lepidium heterophyllum | heterophyllum |
| hexa- | G ἕξ (héx) | six | water primrose, Ludwigia hexapetala | |
| hibernicus | L | from Ireland | Irish whitebeam, Sorbus hibernica; Atlantic ivy, Hedera hibernica; Southern bristetail, Dilta hibernica; Irish hare, Lepus timidus hibernicus; Mycobacterium hiberniae; Pisidium hibernicum | hiberniae – hibernicus – hibernicum – hibernica |
| hibridus | L | hybrid | butterbur, Petasites hybridus, brown spider monkey, Ateles hybridus; kelp goose, Chloephaga hybrida; alsike clover, Trifolium hybridum; | hibridus – hybridus – hibrida – hybrida – hibridum – hybridum |
| hippo- | G ἵππος (híppos) | horse | seahorse, Hippocampus; lesser horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus hipposideros | |
| hirsutus | L | hairy | hairy bittercress, Cardamine hirsuta; hairy fruit-eating bat, Artibeus hirsutus; hairy St John's-wort, Hypericum hirsutum |
hirsutus – hirsuta – hirsutum |
| hispidus | L | rough, shaggy, bristly, prickly | banded coral shrimp, Stenopus hispidus; shaggy bracket, Inonotus hispidus ringed seal, Pusa hispida; wax gourd, Benincasa hispida bristly starbur, Acanthospermum hispidum; white butterfly triggerplant, Stylidium hispidum |
hispidus – hispida – hispidum |
| homo | L | human, man | modern human, Homo sapiens; Neanderthal, Homo neanderthalensis | |
| hortensis | L hortus | from the garden | broad-leaved anemone, Anemone hortensis; garden orache, Atriplex hortensis; Mexican longwing, Heliconius hortense; Orphean warbler, Sylvia hortensis |
hortensis – hortense |
| humilis | L | low, small, humble | Mediterranean dwarf palm, Chamaerops humilis; Talaud flying fox, Acerodon humilis Argentine ant, Linepithema humile; Italian jasmine, Jasminum humile |
humilis – humile |
| hydro- | G ὕδωρ, ὑδρο- (húdōr, hudro-) | water | Chinese water deer, Hydropotes inermis; capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris | |
| hyemalis | L hiems | winter | dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis; winter aconite, Eranthis hyemalis rough horsetail, Equisetum hyemale; putty root, Aplectrum hyemale Mucor hiemalis and Hebeloma hiemale, both fungi |
hyemalis – hyemale – hiemalis – hiemale |
| hyper- | G ὑπέρ (hupér) | over, above | St John's wort, Hypericum perforatum | |
| hyperboreus | G ὑπέρ Βορέᾱ (hupér Boréā) | from the Arctic region (Hyperborea) | glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus; tundra fleabane, Erigeron hyperboreus tangle or cuvie, Laminaria hyperborea; estuary beggarsticks, Bidens hyperborea boreal bur-reed, Sparganium hyperboreum; boreal haircap moss, Polytrichum hyperboreum |
hyperboreus – hyperborea – hyperboreum |
| hypo-, hyp- | G ὑπό (hupó) | under, beneath | zebra pleco catfish, Hypancistrus zebra; common cat's-ear, Hypochaeris radicata |
I–K
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iliacus | L | having a distinctive flank | redwing, Turdus iliacus; Etaxalus iliacus, a beetle fox sparrow, Passerella iliaca; Rhytiphora iliaca, a beetle |
iliacus – iliaca |
| imbricatus | L | tiled | Mountain owl's-clover, Orthocarpus imbricatus | imbricatus – imbricata – imbricatum |
| indicus | L | Indian | Malaysian tapir, Tapirus indicus | indicus – indica – indicum |
| inaequalis | L | unequal | variable ladybird, Coelophora inaequalis | inaequalis – inaequale |
| inedulis | L | inedible | fungus, Caloboletus inedulis | inedulis – inedule |
| inermis | L | unarmed, defenceless | water deer, Hydropotes inermis; henna tree, Lawsonia inermis turkey-berry, Canthium inerme; white milkwood, Sideroxylon inerme |
inermis – inerme |
| ingratus | L | offensive | See Ingrata | ingrata – ingratus – ingratum |
| innotatus | L | unmarked | unmarked dagger moth, Acronicta innotata | innotata |
| irregularis | L | unusual or irregular | variable burrowing asp, Atractaspis irregularis; viper's bugloss, Hadena irregularis | irregularis – irregulare |
| japonicus | L | Japanese | food wrapper plant, Mallotus japonicus; Japanese pagoda tree, Styphnolobium japonicum; Japanese spiraea, Spiraea japonica; see also nipponensis | japonicus – japonica – japonicum |
| jubatus | L iubātus | having a mane, crested | cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus; Steller sea lion, Eumetopias jubatus purple pampas grass, Cortaderia jubata; maned forest lizard, Bronchocela jubata foxtail barley, Hordeum jubatum; Piptochaetium jubatum, a speargrass species |
jubatus – jubata – jubatum |
| kentuckiensis | L | from Kentucky | Kentucky lady's slipper, Cypripedium kentuckiense; Kentucky lichen moth, Cisthene kentuckiensis | kentuckiensis – kentuckiense |
L
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lact- | L lac | milk, sap, milky white | Chinese peony, Paeonia lactiflora; milk-caps, Lactifluus; Lactophrys; Aspalathus lactea | |
| laetus | L | pleasant, bright | Crombrugghia laetus, scarce light plume moth; Myoporum laetum, mousehole tree; Parhelophilus laetus | laetus – laetum |
| laevis | L | smooth | red-eyed assassin bug, Platymeris laevicollis; smooth bedstraw, Cruciata laevipes | All pages with titles containing Laevis |
| lagus | G λαγώς (lagṓs) | hare | European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus; viscachas, Lagidium spp. | |
| lancea | L | lance | sculptured seamoth, Pegasus lancifer; swamp lousewort, Pedicularis lanceolata | |
| lateralis | L | side | black-flanked rock-wallaby, Petrogale lateralis | |
| lapponicus | L | from Lapland/Sápmi (Neo-Latin Lapponia) | Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus; Lapland mountain sorrel, Rumex lapponicus bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica; pincushion plant, Diapensia lapponica Lapland rosebay, Rhododendron lapponicum; Lapland poppy, Papaver lapponicum |
lapponicus – lapponica – lapponicum |
| latus | L | flank; broad | horse-eye jack, Caranx latus; wideleaf waterparsnip, Sium latifolium; wych elm, Ulmus glabra 'Latifolia Aurea' | |
| laxus | L | wide, yielding | American globeflower, Trollius laxus; Cyperus laxus, a sedge flowering grass, Freesia laxa; tufted forget-me-not, Myosotis laxa Bredasdorp conebush, Leucadendron laxum; false lily turf, Chlorophytum laxum |
laxus – laxa – laxum |
| lepidus | L | pleasant, pleasing, charming | rock rattlesnake, Crotalus lepidus; ocellated lizard, Timon lepidus desert woodrat, Neotoma lepida; embossed hawthorn buprestid, Dicerca lepida greenthroat darter, Etheostoma lepidum; Leccinellum lepidum, a bolete |
lepidus – lepida – lepidum |
| lepis, lepido- | G λεπίς (lepís) | scale, rind, husk, flake | large-scale mullet, Liza macrolepis; Lepidoptera | |
| lepto-, lepti- | G λεπτός (leptós) | light | Leptictidium auderiense, Leptospira kirschneri | |
| lepus | L | hare | black-tailed jackrabbit, Lepus californicus | |
| leuco-, leuc- | G λευκός (leukós) | white | white-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus | |
| leucocephalus | G | white-headed | bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus; white-crowned pigeon, Patagioenas leucocephala; white-headed marsh tyrant, Arundinicola leucocephala; white-headed stilt, Himantopus leucocephalus; also see albiceps |
leucocephalus – leucocephala – leucocephalum |
| leucodon | G | white-toothed | bicolored shrew, Crocidura leucodon; lesser mole-rat, Spalax leucodon; white-toothed cowry, Cypraea leucodon; white-toothed woodrat, Neotoma leucodon; also see albidens |
leucodon |
| leucurus | G | white-tailed | white-tailed ptarmigan, Lagopus leucura; white-tailed robin, Cinclidium leucurum; white-tailed stonechat, Saxicola leucurus |
leucurus – leucura – leucurum |
| lignum | L | wood | Guaiacum, lignum-vitae; Vitex lignum-vitae, yellow hollywood tree; lignicolous, 'growing on wood'; Lignum nephriticum | |
| limosus | L | muddy | limosa harlequin frog, Atelopus limosus; mud amnicola, Amnicola limosus |
limosus – limosa – limosum |
| lineatus | L | lined or striped | thirteen-lined ground squirrel, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus; Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata | |
| lobos | L lobus G λοβός (lobós) | lobe | three-lobe buttercup, Ranunculus trilobus | |
| longi- | L longus | long | frog shark, Somniosus longus, galingale, Cyperus longus; Turmeric, Curcuma longa; Long pepper, Piper longum, |
longus – longa – longum –All pages with titles beginning with longi |
| longicaudatus | L | long-tailed | long-tailed pygmy rice rat, Oligoryzomys longicaudatus; longtail catfish, Olyra longicaudata; longtail tadpole shrimp Triops longicaudatus |
longicaudatus – longicaudata – longicaudatum |
| longicollis | L | long-necked | eastern long-necked turtle, Chelodina longicollis | longicollis – longicolle |
| longifolius | L | long-leaved | long-leaf persoonia, Persoonia longifolia; long-leaf wild buckwheat, Eriogonum longifolium; long-leaved butterwort, Pinguicula longifolia; longleaf bush lupine, Lupinus longifolius; longleaf sunflower, Helianthus longifolius |
longifolius – longifolia – longifolium |
| longirostris | L | long beak | longbeak buttercup, Ranunculus longirostris; longsnout blacksmelt, Dolicholagus longirostris |
longirostris – longirostre |
| luctuosus | L | sorrowful, mournful | forget-me-not bug, Sehirus luctuosus; white-shouldered tanager, Tachyphonus luctuosus; four-spotted moth, Tyta luctuosa |
luctuosus – luctuosa – luctuosum |
| luminosus | L | glowing | cucubano, Ignelater luminuosus; New Zealand glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa; striped flying squid, Eucleoteuthis luminosa |
luminuosus – luminuosa – luminuosum |
| lupus, lupo- | L | (resembling a) wolf | grey wolf, Canis lupus; wolf blenny, Omox lupus; headwater catfish, Ictalurus lupus; wolfsnout goby, Luposicya lupus | lupus |
| luteus | L | yellow, saffron-colored | yellow mariposa lily, Calochortus luteus; yellow vetch, Vicia lutea; red-billed leiothrix, Leiothrix lutea |
luteus – lutea – luteum |
M
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| macro- | G μακρός (makrós) | long, large | big-headed mole rat, Tachyoryctes macrocephalus; rock onion, Allium macrum; sea snail, Turbonilla macra | macra – macrum |
| macroura | G | long-tailed | hooded skunk, Mephitis macroura | macroura |
| maculatus | L | spotted | tiger quoll, Dasyurus maculatus; spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius | maculatus – maculata – maculatum |
| madagascariensis | L | from Madagascar | Madagascar day gecko, Phelsuma madagascariensis madagascariensis; Malagasy ground boa, Acrantophis madagascariensis; Malagasy tree boa, Sanzinia madagascariensis; Madagascar fruit-bat argasid, Ornithodoros madagascariensis | madagascariensis |
| magnus | L | great, large | streaked spiderhunter, Arachnothera magna | magnus – magna – magnum |
| major | L | greater | great tit, Parus major | |
| malabaricus | L | from Malabar | chestnut-tailed starling, Sturnia malabaricus | |
| marginatus | L | bordered | gold edge Japanese euonymus, Euonymus japonicus 'Aureomarginatus' ; marginated tortoise, Testudo marginata | marginatus – marginata – marginatum |
| maritima | L | of the sea | sea beet, Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima; samphire, Crithmum maritimum, sea holly, Eryngium maritimum; polar bear, Ursus maritimus, sea rush, Juncus maritimus, |
maritima – maritimum – maritimus |
| mauretanicus | L | from Mauretania (the Maghreb, northwest Africa) | Balearic shearwater, Puffinus mauretanicus; Moroccan hairstreak, Tomares mauretanicus Adscita mauretanica, a moth; Marginella mauretanica, a sea snail |
mauretanicus – mauretanica – mauretanicum |
| mauro- | G μαυρός (maurós) | dark, black | dark shrew, Crocidura maurisca | |
| maximus | L | largest | royal tern, Thalasseus maximus | |
| mega- | G μέγας (mégas) | large, great | megalodon shark, Otodus megalodon | |
| megacephalus | G | big-headed | Andriyashev large-headed sculpin, Andriashevicottus megacephalus; big-head rush, Juncus megacephalus; big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala; big-headed tiger beetle, Megacephala megacephala; coastal plain hawkweed, Hieracium megacephalum; large-headed rice rat, Hylaeamys megacephalus | megacephalus – megacephala – megacephalum |
| mel | L | honey | black sage, Salvia mellifera; Nephelium melliferum; western honey bee, Apis mellifera | |
| melano- | G μελανός (melanós) | black | black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris | melanus – melana |
| melanocephalus | G | black-headed | black-headed fleabane, Erigeron melanocephalus; black-headed snake, Tantilla melanocephala; ghost ant, Tapinoma melanocephalum | melanocephalus – melanocephala – melanocephalum |
| melanophyllus | G | black-leaved | Melanophylla; Melanophyllum | melanophyllus – melanophylla – melanophyllum |
| melanops | G | black-eyed, black-faced | black-eyed blue, Glaucopsyche melanops; black-fronted dotterel, Elseyornis melanops; gray spiny mouse, Scolomys melanops | melanops |
| mephitis | L | bad odor | striped skunk, Mephitis mephitis; yellow-pigmented bacteria, Luteimonas mephitis | |
| meridionalis | L | southern | southern oak bush cricket, Meconema meridionale; Andean blueberry, Vaccinium meridionale southern mammoth, Mammuthus meridionalis; Zimbabwe grey baboon tarantula, Ceratogyrus meridionalis |
meridionale – meridionalis |
| micro- | G μικρός (mikrós) | small | littleleaf pussytoes, Antennaria microphylla | |
| microphyllus | G | small-leaved | baby sage, Salvia microphylla; boxleaf azara, Azara microphylla; littleleaf box, Buxus microphylla; littleleaf mock-orange, Philadelphus microphyllus; small-leaf climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum | microphyllus – microphylla – microphyllum |
| minimus | L | smallest | least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus | |
| minor | L | smaller | great frigatebird, Fregata minor | |
| minuta | L | small | dwarf waterclover, Marsilea minuta, little cuckoo, Coccycua minuta; little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus, harvest mouse, Micromys minutus; little willowherb, Epilobium minutum, |
minuta – minutus – minutum |
| mitra | LG | headband, turban or mitre | Mitra spp., mitre shells; Gyromitra esculenta, false morel; Psittacara mitratus, mitred conure; Presbytis mitrata, mitered langur | All pages with titles beginning with Mitra – mitratus – mitrata – mitratum |
| monile | L | necklace | Conus monilifer | |
| mono- | G μόνος (mónos) | single | Swinhoe's storm-petrel, Oceanodroma monorhis; Monotreme | |
| monoica | L | monoicous | the sandpaper saucer-berry, Cordia monoica | monoica |
| monospermus | L | Having a single sperm cell | one-seed juniper Juniperus monosperma | monospermus – monosperma – monospermum |
| monspeliensis | L | from Montpellier | Montpellier cistus, Cistus monspeliensis | monspeliensis – monspessulanus – monspessulana – monspessulanum |
| montanus | L mons | of the mountains | mountain bottlebrush, Melaleuca montana; mountain mahogany, Cercocarpus montanus; mountain thistle, Acanthus montanus; tree sparrow, Passer montanus | montanus |
| morpho- | G μορφή (morphḗ) | shape | Menelaus blue morpho, Morpho menelaus | |
| mus, mys | L mūs G μῦς (mûs) | mouse | house mouse, Mus musculus; as rodent, e.g. Phoberomys, Telicomys | |
| mulgere | G | to milk | European nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus | Caprimulgus |
| muralis | L | growing on the wall | annual wall-rocket Diplotaxis muralis, Psammophiliella muralis |
N
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| naevius | L | having moles or spots | varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius; spotted salamander, Hynobius naevius striped cuckoo, Tapera naevia; common grasshopper warbler, Locustella naevia spotted oncidium, Oncidium naevium; Cyrtidium naevium, a fungus |
naevius – naevia – naevium |
| nanos | G νᾶνος (nânos) L nanus | dwarf | brown-capped woodpecker, Dendrocopos nanus; dwarf birch, Betula nana; dwarf shrew, Sorex nanus |
nanus |
| natans | L | floating | Water caltrop, Trapa natans | |
| neomexicanus | L | from New Mexico | New Mexico whiptail, Aspidoscelis neomexicanus; New Mexican yucca, Yucca neomexicana; New Mexico thistle, Cirsium neomexicanum |
neomexicanus – neomexicana – neomexicanum |
| naevius | L | having moles or spots | varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius; spotted salamander, Hynobius naevius striped cuckoo, Tapera naevia; common grasshopper warbler, Locustella naevia spotted oncidium, Oncidium naevium; Cyrtidium naevium, a fungus |
naevius – naevia – naevium |
| nexus | L | tied, bound | Eschmeyer nexus, a fish Phragmatiphila nexa, a moth |
nexus – nexa – nexum |
| nippon(ensis) | L | from Japan (natively known as Nippon) | freshwater shrimp, Macrobrachium nipponense; Japanese bobtail squid, Sepiolina nipponensis; Sika deer, Cervus nippon; Crested ibis, Nipponia nippon See also: japonicus |
nipponensis – nipponense – nippon |
| nitidus | L nitere | shining | Baja cape kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula nitida; Mauritius blue pigeon, Alectroenas nitidissima; shining pea clam, Pisidium nitidum; shining tree iguana, Liolaemus nitidus |
nitidus – nitida – nitidum |
| nix | L | snow | snow buckwheat, Eriogonum niveum; snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis; snow petrel, Pagodroma nivea; snow sheep Ovis nivicola; snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus; snowy primrose, Primula nivalis; snowy sunflower, Helianthus niveus; |
nivalis – niveus – nivea – niveum – nivosus |
| nonus | L | ninth | honey fungus, Armillaria nabsnona | |
| norvegicus | L | from Norway | Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus; brown rat, Rattus norvegicus; rose fish, Sebastes norvegicus; Northern krill, Meganyctiphanes norvegica; highland cudweed, Gnaphalium norvegicum; | norvegicus – norvegica – norvegicum |
| nothos | G νόθος (nóthos) L nothus | false, wrong | bluefin notho killifish, Nothobranchius rachovii; New Zealand red beech, Nothofagus fusca |
|
| noton | G νῶτον (nôton) | back | black-backed antshrike, Thamnophilus melanonotus | |
| notos | G νότος (nótos) | southern | fawn hopping mouse, Notomys cervinus | |
| novaeangliae | L | from New England | humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae; Sphaerophoria novaeangliae, a syrphid fly New England boneset, Eupatorium novae-angliae; New England aster, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae |
novaeangliae – novae-angliae |
| novaehollandiae | L | from New Holland (Australia) | emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae; New Holland rattlepod, Crotalaria novae-hollandiae; Sepia novaehollandiae, a cuttlefish | novaehollandiae – novae-hollandiae |
| novaeseelandiae | L | from New Zealand | southern boobook, Ninox novaeseelandiae New Zealand scallop, Pecten novaezelandiae yellow-dabbled flounder, Brachypleura novaezeelandiae New Zealand horned orchid, Orthoceras novae-zeelandiae red bidibid, Acaena novae-zelandiae |
novaeseelandiae – novae-zelandiae – novae-zeelandiae – novaezeelandiae – novaezelandiae |
| noveboracensis | L | from New York (Novum Eboracum) | margined carrion beetle, Oiceoptoma noveboracense; New York fern, Thelypteris noveboracensis; northern waterthrush, Seiurus noveboracensis |
noveboracensis – noveboracense |
| novem | L | nine | nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus; nine-spotted lady beetle, Coccinella novemnotata |
|
| nucifera | L | bearing nuts | butter-nut of Guiana, Caryocar nuciferum; coconut, Cocos nucifera |
All pages with titles containing nucifera |
| nutans | L | nodding | nodding madia, Harmonia nutans; nodding spurge, Euphorbia nutans |
nutans |
O
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Example | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| obscurus | L | dark | dark bolo mouse, Necromys obscurus; dusky dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obscurus; obscure morning glory, Ipomoea obscura; rare clubmoss, Lycopodium obscurum | obscurus – obscura – obscurum |
| obsoletus | L | obsolete, degenerate | Pantherophis obsoletus; Great Plains skink, Plestiodon obsoletus | obsoletus – obsoletum |
| occidentalis | L | western | eastern arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis; western clover, Trifolium occidentale | occidentalis – occidentale |
| ocean | G ὠκεανός (ōkeanós) | ocean | oceanic gecko, Gehyra oceanica; Mediterranean tapeweed, Posidonia oceanica |
oceanicus – oceanica |
| octo-, octa- | G ὀκτω- ὀκτα- | eight | common octopus, Octopus vulgaris | |
| -odon, -odus | G ὀδών (odṓn), ὀδούς (odoús) | tooth | Dimetrodon, Rhizodus | |
| oeso- | G οἰσέμεν (oisémen), οἰσ- | carry | Oesophagostomum | |
| officinalis | L | for the workshop; medicinal | ginger, Zingiber officinale; rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis |
officinalis – officinale |
| oleraceus | L | used as a vegetable | cabbage, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and so on, Brassica oleracea; common sowthistle, Sonchus oleraceus | oleraceus – oleracea – oleraceum |
| oleum, olearis | L | oil | Omphalotus olearius, jack o'lantern mushroom | |
| ommato- | G ὄμμᾰ (ómma), gen. ὄμμᾰτος (ómmatos) | eye | Ommatokoita, Ommatochila, Ommatospila | All pages with titles beginning with Ommato |
| ophis | G ὄφις (óphis) | serpent | Carphophis vermis, western wormsnake | |
| ophrys | G ὀφρύς (ophrús) | eyebrow | bee orchid, Ophrys; Central American bushmaster, Lachesis stenophrys Melanophrys, fly genus; Cyanophrys, butterfly genus |
All pages with titles beginning with Ophry |
| -ophthalmus | G ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmós) | eye | common rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus; Ariosoma ophidiophthalmus, an eel; Spanish ling, Molva macrophthalma; Hippopsicon macrophthalmum, a beetle; Cyprinion microphthalmum, a fish; gold-eye lichen, Teloschistes chrysophthalmus | |
| ops | G ὤψ (ṓps) | face, eye | Triceratops | |
| -opsis | G ὄψις (ópsis) | resembling | Carolina parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis | |
| orientalis | L | eastern | Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis | orientalis – orientale |
| ortho- | G ὀρθός (orthós) | straight | Orthoptera | |
| oryza | G ὄρυζα (óruza) | rice | Asian rice, Oryza sativa; rice rats, Oryzomys | |
| ovatus | L | egg-shaped | shagbark hickory, Carya ovata | ovatus – ovata – ovatum |
P
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pachy- | G παχύς (pakhús) | thick, stout | Pachycephalosaurus | |
| palaemon | G Παλαίμων (Palaímōn) | Palaemon, a sea god whose name means "wrestler" | Palaemon, crustacean genus; chequered skipper, Carterocephalus palaemon Palaemonias, Palaemonella and Palaemonetes, shrimp genera |
palaemon |
| pallidus | L | pale | Dalmatian iris, Iris pallida | pallidus – pallida – pallidum |
| palustris | L paluster | of the marsh | mugger crocodile, Crocodylus palustris; marsh marigold, Caltha palustris; Sphagnurus paluster, mushroom; | palustris – paluster – palustre – palustrium |
| pan- panto- | G πᾶν (pân) | all | Pancratium (a flower); Pangaea | |
| paradoxus | L, from G παράδοξος (parádoxos) | contrary to expectation, strange, uncharacteristic | Pallas's sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes paradoxus, puzzle sunflower, Helianthus paradoxus ghost mantis, Phyllocrania paradoxa, paradoxical frog, Pseudis paradoxa green-banded broodsac, Leucochloridium paradoxum, few-flowered garlic, Allium paradoxum |
paradoxus – paradoxa – paradoxum |
| parilis | L | equal | Syngrapha parilis, a moth; Metasphenisca parilis, a fruit fly Nephroma parile, a fungus; Malmesbury pincushion, Leucospermum parile |
parilis – parile |
| parviflorus | L | small-flowered | small-flowered mallow, Malva parviflora; thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus |
parviflorus – parviflora – parviflorum |
| parvifolius | L | small-leaved | Chinese elm, Ulmus parvifolia; littleleaf ceanothus, Ceanothus parvifolius; small-leaved lomatium, Lomatium parvifolium |
parvifolius – parvifolia – parvifolium |
| parvus | L | small | dwarf catshark, Asymbolus parvus; mountain pygmy possum, Burramys parvus; small onion, Allium parvum |
parvus – parvum |
| pecten | L | comb | Venus comb murex, Murex pecten | |
| ped | L pēs | foot | showy lady slipper, Cypripedium reginae | |
| pelagicus | L, G πελαγικός | of the open sea | pelagic cormorant, Phalacrocorax pelagicus | pelagicus – pelagica – pelagicum |
| penn- | L penna | feather, wing | Darwin's rhea, Rhea pennata; great auk, Pinguinus impennis |
|
| penta- | G πέντε (pénte) | five | five-fingered skink, Chalcides pentadactylus | |
| pes-caprae | L pēs, L caprae | goat's foot | Beach morning glory, Ipomoea pes-caprae | pes-caprae |
| petro- | G πέτρα (pétra), L petra | rock, stone | Roberts's flat-headed bat, Sauromys petrophilus; rock daisy, Erigeron petrophilus |
|
| phago- | G ἔφαγον | eat | African scat (fish), Scatophagus tetracanthus; Icthyophaga, the ("fish-eating") sea eagle |
|
| phalloides | G | like a phallus | Amanita phalloides, the death cap, a poisonous basidiomycete fungus species | |
| phenolicus | L | able to degrade phenol | Pseudoalteromonas phenolica | phenolicus – phenolica – phenolicum |
| philippinensis | L | from the Philippines | katmon tree, Dillenia philippinensis; Philippine cobra, Naja philippinensis |
|
| pholis | G φολῐ́ς (pholís) | horny scale | bluespotted grouper, Cephalopholis argus | |
| phyllo- | G φύλλον (phúllon) | leaf | garden lupin, Lupinus polyphyllus | |
| physi- | G φύσις (phúsis) | nature | Symphysia ("naturally joined") (a plant)[6] | |
| phyto- | G φυτόν (phutón) | plant | Astrophytum, Astrophytum myriostigma (a cactus); epiphyte | |
| pictus | L | painted | Pimelodus pictus, a catfish; painted skipper, Hesperilla picta; painted tunicate, Clavelina picta; Abutilon pictum, a shrub |
pictus – picta – pictum |
| platy- | G πλατύς (platús) | flat and broad | flathead trout, Salmo platycephalus; platypus | |
| pleio- | G | larger, greater in quantity | Pleiogynium timoriense, Burdekin plum, sweet plum, tulip plum; pleiotropy, (a gene) exhibiting multiple phenotypic expression |
All pages with titles beginning with Pleio |
| plicatilis | L | flexible, pliable | fan-aloe, Kumara plicatilis; lobed river mullet, Cestraeus plicatilis Dendrobium plicatile, an orchid; Cormohipparion plicatile, an extinct horse |
plicatilis – plicatile |
| plumosum | L | feathered | big tarweed, Blepharizonia plumosa; buzzer midge, Chironomus plumosus | plumosus – plumosa – plumosum |
| pod- | G πούς (poús) | foot, leg, stem | red-footed spikesedge, Eleocharis erythropoda; Arthropoda; Gastropoda | |
| poliocephalus | G | grey-headed | ashy-headed goose, Chloephaga poliocephala; grey-crowned flatbill, Tolmomyias poliocephalus; grey-headed flying fox, Pteropus poliocephalus; grey-headed goshawk, Accipiter poliocephalus; hoary-headed grebe, Poliocephalus poliocephalus; white-headed langur, Trachypithecus poliocephalus; yellow-lored tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum poliocephalum |
poliocephalus – poliocephala – poliocephalum |
| poly- | G πολύς (polús) | many, much | common knotgrass, Polygonum aviculare | |
| pomum | L | fruit | apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella; apple murex, Phyllonotus pomum; codling moth, Cydia pomonella; emu apple, Kunzea pomifera; Osage orange, Maclura pomifera |
pomum – pomifer – pomifera – pomonella |
| ponticus | G Πόντος (Póntos) | Pontic; from Pontus, Turkey | Black Sea field mouse, Apodemus ponticus; Pontic adder, Vipera pontica; Pontic rhododendron, Rhododendron ponticum; Roman wormwood, Artemisia pontica |
ponticus – pontica – ponticum |
| praecox | L | early | early onion, Allium praecox; neon rainbow, Melanotaenia praecox; wintersweet, Chimonanthus praecox |
praecox |
| praestans | L | excelling | Kamchatka bilberry, Vaccinium praestans; goliath webcap mushroom, Cortinarius praestans; (a butterfly), Ypthima praestans; (a ground beetle), Lesticus praestans; Tulipa praestans |
praestans |
| praeustus | L | burned at the end, scorched, withered | brownback trevally, Carangoides praeustus; Adetus praeustus, a beetle Serixia praeusta, a beetle; Tricholauxania praeusta, a fly; Trogoxylon praeustum, a beetle |
praeustus – praeusta – praeustum |
| prātum | L | meadow | Inyo meadow lupine, Lupinus pratensis; meadow foxtail, Alopecurus pratensis; meadow sedge, Carex praticola; meadow waxcap, Cuphophyllus pratensis |
pratensis – pratense – praticola |
| princeps | L | first, leader, principal, princely | Korean wormwood, Artemisia princeps; princely spiny-tailed lizard, Uromastyx princeps; American pika, Ochotona princeps | princeps |
| proto- | G πρῶτος (prôtos) | first | Protozoa | |
| pruinosus | L | pruinose, "frosted", covered in white granules | Tibetan blue bear, Ursus arctos pruinosus; frosted myotis, Myotis pruinosus fuzzywuzzy airplant, Tillandsia pruinosa; frosted hawthorn, Crataegus pruinosa crimson-tailed marsh hawk, Orthetrum pruinosum; dotted blue-eyed grass, Sisyrinchium pruinosum |
pruinosus – pruinosa – pruinosum |
| prunicolor | L | plum-colored | plum-colored worm lizard, Amphisbaena prunicolor | prunicolor |
| pruriens | L | itching | velvet bean, Mucuna pruriens | pruriens |
| pseudo- | L G ψευδής (pseudḗs) | false or fake | Brazilian false rice rat, Pseudoryzomys simplex; pastel flower, Pseuderanthemum variabile |
|
| psych- | G ψυχή (psychḗ) | mind, soul | psychedelic | All pages with titles beginning with Psy |
| psychrophilus | G ψυχρός (psukhrós) | cold-loving | bacterial rod, Flavobacterium psychrophilum; bacterium, Geobacter psychrophilus; whip-lash squid, Mastigoteuthis psychrophila |
psychrophilus – psychrophila – psychrophilum |
| pterus, -pter | G πτερόν (pterón) | wing, feather | white-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus; Pteranodon (winged toothless); Pterodactylus (winged finger); Pteridophyta; Diptera; Coleoptera |
|
| ptyo- | G πτύον (ptyon) | fan | fan-fingered geckos, Ptyodactylus; crag martin, Ptyonoprogne | All pages with titles beginning with Ptyo |
| puberulus | L | having short, soft hairs | Hydroporus puberulus, a diving beetle; Leptomyrmex puberulus, an ant mountain bellwort, Uvularia puberula; hairy melicope, Melicope puberula plains flax, Linum puberulum; red berry stick plant, Teucrium puberulum |
puberulus – puberula – puberulum |
| pubescens | L | downy | downy oak, Quercus pubescens | pubescens |
| pugil | L pugil | a boxer | fighting conch, Strombus pugilis | pugilis |
| pulchellus | L | pretty little[7] | beautiful sunbird, Cinnyris pulchella; green pygmy goose, Nettapus pulchellus |
pulchellus – pulchella – pulchellum |
| pumilus | L | dwarf | Cape dwarf chameleon, Bradypodion pumilum; dwarf cuckoo, Coccycua pumila; dwarf mouse-ear, Cerastium pumilum; eastern forest bat, Vespadelus pumilus; shaggy fleabane, Erigeron pumilus; Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila |
pumila – pumilus – pumilum |
| punctatus | L | spotted, marked with punctures | dotted thyme-moss, Rhizomnium punctatum; thirteen-spotted lady beetle, Hippodamia tredecimpunctata |
punctatus – punctata – punctatum |
| pungens | L pungens | pungent | blue spruce, Picea pungens; pungent slippery jack, Suillus pungens |
pungens |
| purpurascens | L | somewhat purple | veiled purple hygrophorus, Hygrophorus purpurascens | purpurascens |
| purpureus | L purpureus | purple | purple amole, Chlorogalum purpureum; purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea; purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus |
purpureus – purpurea – purpureum |
| pygmaeus | L, from the Pygmaeī | pygmy, dwarf | Bornean orangutan, Pongo pygmaeus; pygmy three-toed sloth, Bradypus pygmaeus; Western Greece goby, Economidichthys pygmaeus; western pygmy marmoset, Cebuella pygmaea; smooth spike-primrose, Epilobium pygmaeum; alpine glacier poppy, Papaver pygmaeum | pygmaeus – pygmaea – pygmaeum |
| pygargus | G πῡ́γᾰργος (pū́gargos) | white-rumped | Montagu's harrier, Circus pygargus | pygargus pygarga |
| pygo- | G πυγή (pugḗ) | tail, rump | chinstrap penguin, Pygoscelis antarcticus |
Q
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Example | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| quadri- | L quattuor | four, square | burr grass, Festuca quadriflora (four-flowered); four-coloured bushshrike, Telophorus quadricolor; fourspot butterflyfish, Chaetodon quadrimaculatus; whorled loosestrife, Lysimachia quadrifolia (four-leaved) |
All pages with titles beginning with Quadri |
R
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| radix | L | root or radish | taproot fleabane, Erigeron radicatus | radix – radicans – radicatus – radicis |
| rāmus | L | branch | branched draba, Draba ramosissima; branched murex, Chicoreus ramosus |
ramosus – ramosa – ramulosus |
| regalis | L | royal | Synalpheus regalis; regal moth, Citheronia regalis; royal lily, Lilium regale |
regalis – regale |
| repandus | L repandus | curved upwards, turned up | dragon's tongue, Hemigraphis repanda; hedgehog mushroom, Hydnum repandum; Peruvian apple cactus, Cereus repandus |
repandus – repanda – repandum |
| repens | L | creeping, crawling (rēpēns) | creeping buttercup, Ranunculus repens | |
| repens | L | unexpected (rĕpēns) | white clover, Trifolium repens | |
| reptans, rept- | L | creeping, crawling | bugle, Ajuga reptans; creeping cinquefoil, Potentilla reptans; Reptilia |
reptans |
| reticulata | L | reticulated | mandarin orange, Citrus reticulata | reticulatus – reticulata – reticulatum |
| rhino- | G ῥίς (rhís) | nose | orange leaf-nosed bat, Rhinonicteris aurantia; rhinoceros | |
| rhiza | G ῥίζα (rhíza) | root | bushy seedbox, Ludwigia helminthorrhiza; Rhizobium (nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria) | |
| rhodo- | G ῥόδον (rhódon) | rose, rose-colored | Rhododendron
Butter Cap, Rhodocollybia butyracea |
|
| rhynchos | G ῥύγχος (rhúnkhos) | beak or snout | mallard, Anas platyrhynchos; Rhamphorhynchus | |
| rhytis | G ῥῠτίς (rhutís) | wrinkled, folded | shaggy moss, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus; Rhytidodon (syn. Rutiodon) | |
| rigidus | L | rigid, stiff | big galleta, Hilaria rigida | rigidus – rigida – rigidum |
| rossicus | L | from Russia | Pliosaurus rossicus | |
| rostr- | L rōstrum | beak, bill, snout | common crossbill, Loxia curvirostra | |
| rostralis | L | with a beak | buttoned snout moth, Hypena rostralis | rostralis – rostrale |
| rostratus | L rōstrātus | having a beak | beaked sedge, Carex rostrata; beaked yucca, Yucca rostrata; Caribbean sharp-nose puffer, Canthigaster rostrata; longnose surgeonfish, Zebrasoma rostratum |
rostratus – rostrata – rostratum |
| ruber, rubr- | L ruber | red | red maple, Acer rubrum; red valerian, Centranthus ruber; ruby bolete, Hortiboletus rubellus; summer tanager, Piranga rubra |
ruber – rubra – rubrum – rubellus – rubrescens |
| ruder- | L rūdus, rūderis | rubbish | Cannabis ruderalis; Porophyllum ruderale; ruderal bumblebee, Bombus ruderatus |
ruderalis – ruderale – ruderatus |
| rudis, rud- | L | rough, rude | coarse chameleon, Trioceros rudis; pied kingfisher Ceryle rudis; rough gecko, Naultinus rudis; rough mabuya, Eutropis rudis |
rudis – rude |
| rufus, ruf- | L | red, reddish | red wolf, Canis rufus; rufous rubber cup, Galiella rufa |
rufus – rufa – rufum – rufescens |
| rupestris | L | living on cliffs or rocks | Eurasian crag martin, Ptyonoprogne rupestris; rock bass, Ambloplites rupestris rock campion, Atocion rupestre; alpine tea-tree, Leptospermum rupestre |
rupestris – rupestre |
| rupicola | L | cliff dweller | Diplacus rupicola, Death Valley monkeyflower; Narcissus rupicola; Tabernaemontana rupicola | All pages with titles containing rupicola |
| russus | L | reddish | Lophocampa russus, a moth; Toxitiades russus, a beetle; Schistura russa, a stone loach; Steccherinum russum, a fungus | russus – russa – russum |
| russulus | L | little reddish one | greater white-toothed shrew, Crocidura russula; Mimeresia russulus, a butterfly; pinkmottle woodwax, Hygrophorus russula; Bryum russulum, a moss | russulus – russula – russulum |
S
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sanctus | L | sacred | See sanctus (species) | sanctus |
| sanguis | L | blood | bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis | sanguinis |
| sapiens | L | wise | recent subspecies of humans: Homo sapiens sapiens ("wise wise man") | |
| saponaria | L | soapy[8][9] | soapworts (Saponaria spp.), soapbark (Quillaja saponaria), Ramaria flavosaponaria | saponaria |
| sativus | L | sown, cultivated | oat, Avena sativa; pea, Pisum sativum; rice, Oryza sativa |
sativus – sativa – sativum |
| saura, -saur | G σαῦρος (saûros) | lizard, reptile | lancetfish, Alepisaurus; Maiasaura (dinosaur) | |
| saxum | L | rock | saxicolous, 'growing on rocks/stones'; common rock thrush, Monticola saxatilis; Saxicola, stonechats; Saxifraga, rockfoils; Saxifragaceae, herbaceous plant family |
|
| scriptus | L | written, scribbled, scrawled | Cape bushbuck, Tragelaphus scriptus; scrawled filefish, Aluterus scriptus pond slider, Trachemys scripta; long hoverfly, Sphaerophoria scripta; Grammatophyllum scriptum, an orchid; Steindachneridion scriptum, a catfish |
scriptus – scripta – scriptum |
| sculptus | L | sculpted | reed-stemmed orchid, Epidendrum sculptum; sculpted lanternshark, Etmopterus sculptus; sculpted puffball, Calvatia sculpta |
sculptus – sculpta – sculptum |
| septem | L | seven | seven-spot ladybird, Coccinella septempunctata | |
| septentrionalis | L | Northern Hemisphere (septentrional, "of the seven plough-oxen", a reference to The Plough) | northern rockling, Ciliata septentrionalis northern spleenwort, Asplenium septentrionale |
septentrionalis – septentrionale |
| setosus | L | bristly or shaggy | hairy Atlantic spiny rat, Trinomys setosus; arctic iris Iris setosa, Diadema setosum |
setosus – setosa – setosum |
| sidero- | G σίδηρος (sídēros) | iron | Siderostigma, Sideroxylon; lesser horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus hipposideros | All pages with titles beginning with Sidero |
| silvestris, sylvestris silvaticus | L | from woodland or forest; wild | wildcat, Felis silvestris; snowdrop anemone, Anemone sylvestris; Wood frog, Lithobates sylvaticus |
silvestris, sylvestris – silvestre, sylvestre – silvaticus, sylvaticus |
| similis | L | similar | Callinectes similis | similis – simile |
| simplex | L | simple | see List of species named simplex | simplex |
| sinensis | L | from China | tea, Camellia sinensis | sinensis – sinense |
| smaragdinus | G σμάραγδος (smáragdos) | emerald | green grass lizard, Takydromus smaragdinus; Carabus smaragdinus, a beetle Smaragdina, beetle genus; Asian weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina Epidendrum smaragdinum, an orchid; Smaragdia, snail genus |
smaragdinus – smaragdina – smaragdinum – Smaragdia |
| speciosus | L | showy | queen's crape-myrtle, Lagerstroemia speciosa; Japanese lily, Lilium speciosum |
speciosus – speciosa – speciosum |
| sperma | G σπέρμα (spérma) | seed | African daisies, Osteospermum | |
| sphen-, spheno- | G σφήν (sphḗn) | wedge | tuatara, Sphenodon punctatus | |
| squamatus | L | with scales | scaly francolin, Pternistis squamatus, scaled woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes squamatus | |
| stellatus | L | starry | carrageenan moss, Mastocarpus stellatus; Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata autumn onion, Allium stellatum |
stellatus – stellata – stellatum |
| stichus, sticticus | G στίχος (stíkhos) | line, file | Ochlerotatus sticticus, a mosquito; western erete, Eretes sticticus Acalolepta stictica, a beetle; Punctelia stictica, a lichen Trypetisoma sticticum, a fly; Diorygma sticticum, a lichen Toothfish, Dissostichus |
sticticus – stictica – sticticum |
| stoma | G στόμα (stóma) | mouth, opening | stomate, Gnathostomata | |
| striatus | L | striped | African striped skink, Trachylepis striata; striated heron, Butorides striatus; striped Barbados lily, Hippeastrum striatum |
striatus – striata – striatum |
| strictus | L | straight, narrow, erect | chocolate lily, Dichopogon strictus; Oxalis stricta; Babiana stricta; Nardus stricta, bog haircap moss, Polytrichum strictum |
strictus – stricta – strictum |
| strix, strig- | L or G | owl | kākāpō or owl parrot, Strigops habroptilus; tawny frogmouth, Podargus strigoides; tawny owl, Strix aluco |
|
| suber | L | cork | cork oak, Quercus suber | |
| suchos, -suchus | G σοῦχος (soûkhos) | crocodile (from Egyptian) | Eusuchia; Koolasuchus |
|
| sulcatus | L | furrowed | furrowed wakerobin, Trillium sulcatum; grooved helmet-orchid, Nematoceras sulcatum |
sulcatus – sulcata – sulcatum |
| symbio | G συμβίωσις (sumbíōsis) | symbiosis | Symbiodinium; Symbiontida | symbio |
| syriacus | L | Syrian | common milkweed, Asclepias syriacus | syriacus – syriaca – syriacum |
T
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tardus, tardi- | L | slow, late | great bustard, Otis tarda; Chisos Mountains oak, Quercus tardifolia |
|
| tele-, tel- | G τῆλε (têle) | far, distant | New South Wales waratah, Telopea speciosissima | |
| tenax | L | clinging, tenacious | bear grass, Xerophyllum tenax; tough bully, Sideroxylon tenax; tough-leaved iris, Iris tenax |
tenax |
| tenuis | L | thin, slender, fine | slender rush, Juncus tenuis; plealeaf knotweed, Polygonum tenue |
tenuis – tenue |
| terrestris, terrestre | L | terrestrial | large earth bumblebee, Bombus terrestris bent orchid, Geodorum terrestre |
terrestris – terrestre |
| tetra- | G τετρα- | four | four-leaved allseed, Polycarpon tetraphyllum; Tetrapoda | |
| therium, ther- | G θηρίον (thēríon), θήρ (thḗr) | beast, wild animal | giant ground sloth, Megatherium americanum; stinkpot turtle, Sternotherus odoratus; gelada, Theropithecus gelada |
|
| timidus | L | shy, timid | Mountain hare, Lepus timidus; Rhene timidus, a jumping spider; dwarf three-toed slider, Lerista timida; Elysia timida, a sea slug; Zodarion timidum, an ant spider | timidus – timida – timidum |
| tinctorius | L | for dyeing | woad, Isatis tinctoria | tinctorius – tinctoria – tinctorium |
| tomentosus | L | furry | bristle-tail filefish, Acreichthys tomentosus; fuzzy mock-orange, Philadelphus tomentosus; woollyleaf ceanothus, Ceanothus tomentosus |
tomentosus – tomentosa – tomentosum |
| tortus | L | twisted | Didymoceras tortus, an extinct ammonite corkscrew beggarticks, Bidens torta; Fusiturris torta, a sea snail Bulbophyllum tortum, an orchid; Chloroleucon tortum, a plant |
tortus – torta – tortum |
| trachy- | G τραχύς (trachys) | rough | Trachyscorpia, fish genus; Trachyaretaon, insect genus | All pages with titles beginning with trachy |
| tri-, tris- | L tri-, G τρι- (tri-) | three | black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla; three-cornered garlic, Allium triquetrum |
|
| tricho-, -thrix | G θρίξ (thríx), τριχ- (trikh-) | hair | cloud ear fungus, Auricularia polytricha | |
| tripartitus | L | three-part | threepart violet, Viola tripartita; threetip sagebrush, Artemisia tripartita |
tripartitus – tripartita |
| tristis | L | sad, disagreeable, bitter, foul | ever-flowering gladiolus, Gladiolus tristis American goldfinch, Carduelis tristis Mupli beetle, Luprops tristis |
|
| trivialis | L | commonplace, ordinary | tree pipit, Anthus trivialis; southern dewberry, Rubus trivialis; northern water plantain, Alisma triviale; Bulbophyllum triviale, an orchid |
trivialis – triviale |
| troglodytes | L G τρωγλοδύτης (trōglodútēs) | cave-dweller | chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes; wren, Troglodytes troglodytes |
|
| tropicalis | L | tropical | Candida tropicalis (yeast); Rostraureum tropicale (fungus) |
tropicalis – tropicale |
| truncatus | L | truncated, foreshortened | common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus; pink fairy armadillo, Chlamyphorus truncatus; rattlesnake flower, Brazoria truncata; false Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera truncata; Shantung maple, Acer truncatum; truncate leek orchid, Prasophyllum truncatum |
truncatus – truncata – truncatum |
| trygon | G τρῡγών (trygōn) | stingray turtledove |
Fontitrygon, Hemitrygon, Trygonoptera, all ray genera Geotrygon and Trugon, dove genera |
trygon – trugon – All pages with titles beginning with trygo |
| typhlo- | G τυφλός (typhlós) | blind | Typhlobarbus nudiventris, fish species; Typhlochactidae, scorpion family | All pages with titles beginning with typhl |
| tyranno- | G τύραννος (túrannos) | tyrant, tyrannical | Tyrannosaurus rex; Tyrannodoris; Tyrannoneustes; Tyrannotitan; |
U
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Example | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ulmus | L | elm | American elm, Ulmus americana; elmleaf goldenrod, Solidago ulmifolia; Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila; Ulmus | |
| ulos | G οὖλος (oûlos) | woolly | Uloborus; Ulotrichi; Ulotrichopus | All pages with titles beginning with Ulo |
| unus | L | one | Monotropa uniflora; unicolor woolly lemur, Avahi unicolor | |
| ura | G οὐρά (ourá) | of the tail | mourning dove, Zenaida macroura; coral snake, Micrurus corallinus |
V
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Examples | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vaginalis | L | sheathed, vaginal | Alyce clover, Gardnerella vaginalis | vaginalis |
| variabilis | L | variable | grey bunting, Emberiza variabilis | variabilis – variabile |
| varians | L | varying (usually in color) | Chameleon shrimp, Hippolyte varians Chelidonura varians; Chelidonura varians |
varians |
| variegatus | L | variegated | variegated laughingthrush, Garrulax variegatus; croton, Codiaeum variegatum | variegatus – variegata – variegatum |
| varius | L | different, variegated, variable | lace monitor, Varanus varius; yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius barred owl, Strix varia; purple crown vetch, Securigera varia variable triplefin, Forsterygion varium; grass cerith, Bittiolum varium |
varius – varia – varium |
| velox, velocis | L | swift | swift fox, Vulpes velox; Velociraptor | velox |
| ventralis | L | ventral, of the belly | Hispaniolan parrot, Amazona ventralis; southern dwarf chameleon, Bradypodion ventrale |
ventralis – ventrale |
| venustus | L | beautiful | giraffe hap, Nimbochromis venustus; beautiful pit viper, Trimeresurus venustus flamevine, Pyrostegia venusta; orchard spider, Leucauge venusta Himalayan maidenhair, Adiantum venustum; magnificent leafy moss, Plagiomnium venustum |
venustus – venusta – venustum |
| vernicosa | L | varnished | varnished maxillaria, Maxillaria vernicosa | vernicosus – vernicosa – vernicosum |
| vernus, vernalis | L | spring (season) | spring gentian, Gentiana verna; spring pheasant's eye, Adonis vernalis; spring sneezeweed, Helenium vernale |
vernalis – vernale |
| verrucosus | L | rough-skinned | Javan warty pig, Sus verrucosus; reef stonefish, Synanceia verrucosa | verrucosus – verrucosa – verrucosum |
| versicolor | L | many-colored | varied honeyeater, Lichenostomus versicolor; Vietnam mouse-deer, Tragulus versicolor | versicolor |
| verticillata | L | whorled | spaghetti bryozoan, Amathia verticillata; whorled plectranthus, Plectranthus verticillatus | verticillatus – verticillata – verticillatum |
| verus | L | true, genuine | true aloe, Aloe vera; lady's bedstraw, Galium verum | verus – verum |
| victoriae | L | Victorian | Victoria's bar, Cigaritis victoriae | victoriae |
| villosus | L[10] | hairy, shaggy | hairy nightshade, Solanum villosum; hairy stonecrop, Sedum villosum; hairy vetch, Vicia villosa; hairy woodpecker, Picoides villosus; shaggy hawkweed, Hieracium villosum; villous deadly carrot, Thapsia villosa |
villosus – villosa – villosum |
| virginiana | L | Virginia | Virginia opossum, Didelphis virginiana; Rosa virginiana, the Virginia rose | virginiana – virginianum |
| viridis | L | green | frog orchid, Coeloglossum viride; green alder, Alnus viridis; green wrasse, Labrus viridis |
viridis – viride |
| virosus | L | poisonous | cowbane, Cicuta virosa; poisonous lettuce, Lactuca virosa | virosus – virosa |
| viticola (vitis-cola) |
L | grape vine inhabitant or cultivator | Phomopsis viticola; Plasmopara viticola; Schizomyia viticola | viticola |
| volans | L | flying | flying dragon, Draco volans; southern flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans | volans |
| vulgaris | L | common | common octopus, Octopus vulgaris; common privet, Ligustrum vulgare | vulgaris – vulgare |
X–Z
[edit]| Latin/Greek | Language | English | Example | Search for titles containing the word or using the prefix: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xanthos | G ξανθός | yellow | yellow staining mushroom, Agaricus xanthodermus | All pages with titles beginning with Xanth |
| zebratus | L | cross-striped | Kolombatovic's goby, Chromogobius zebratus | |
| zoster | G ζωστήρ (zōstḗr) | belt, girdle | white-eyes, Zosterops; Zosterophyllum; Zosterocarpus abyssicola | All pages with titles beginning with Zoster |
| zygos | G ζυγός | joined | Zygophyllum; Zygoptera | All pages with titles beginning with Zygo |
See also
[edit]- Glossary of scientific naming
- List of commonly used taxonomic affixes
- List of descriptive plant species epithets (A–H)
- List of descriptive plant species epithets (I–Z)
- List of Greek and Latin roots in English
- List of Latin place names used as specific names
- List of Latin words with English derivatives
- List of medical roots, suffixes and prefixes
- List of taxa named by anagrams
- Latin names of cities
References
[edit]- ^ "aurantíacus, a, um". Acta plantarum - Etimologia dei nomi botanici e micologici. Archived from the original on 23 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ Harbach, Ralph E. (17 October 2018). Culicipedia: Species-group, genus-group and family-group names in Culicidae (Diptera). CABI. ISBN 9781786399052 – via Google Books.
- ^ Chuck Griffith. "Dictionary of Botanical Epithets". Archived from the original on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2005.
- ^ "Rhus glabra L." Northern Arizona University. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
- ^ "Charlton T. Lewis, Charles Short, A Latin Dictionary, G, Gracchus, grăcĭlĭpes". Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
- ^ Umberto Quattrocchi (2000). CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names. CRC Press. p. 2610. ISBN 978-0-8493-2673-8. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
- ^ Charlton T. Lewis, Charles Short (1879). "pulchellus". A Latin Dictionary.
- ^ Saponaria. Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flora of North America.
- ^ Griffith, Chuck (2005). "Dictionary of Botanical Epithets". Dictionary of Botanical Epithets. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
saponarius saponaria saponarium soapy sapo sapon noun/m soap (from German) arius ari adj adjective suffix for nouns or numbers: connected to or possessed by
- ^ "Charlton T. Lewis, An Elementary Latin Dictionary, villōsus". Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
External links
[edit]List of Latin and Greek words commonly used in systematic names
View on GrokipediaIntroduction
Purpose and Scope
This article catalogs the Latin and Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes commonly employed in systematic scientific nomenclature across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and medicine, highlighting their function in generating precise, descriptive, and internationally consistent terms for organisms, compounds, and processes.[1] In biology, systematic names form the basis of binomial nomenclature, where each species receives a two-part designation consisting of a genus name followed by a species epithet, both typically derived from Latin or Greek to describe characteristics like appearance, habitat, or behavior.[8][9] Similarly, in chemistry, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) rules utilize these roots to construct names for organic and inorganic compounds, incorporating numerical prefixes from Greek (e.g., tetra- for four) or Latin (e.g., bi- for two) to denote structure and composition.[5][6] The scope encompasses descriptive adjectives and nouns from Latin, often as standalone elements, alongside Greek combining forms that facilitate compound creation, including hybrid constructions blending both languages for clarity and brevity.[10] While classical meanings provide the foundation—such as Greek photo- denoting "light" and synthesis meaning "putting together," which combine in "photosynthesis" to describe light-driven assembly—their scientific adaptations may extend or specialize these senses to fit modern contexts like biochemical pathways.[1] This evolution underscores a key distinction: original etymological intent versus tailored usage in nomenclature to ensure descriptive accuracy without ambiguity. The reliance on Latin and Greek stems from their adoption for universality following Carl Linnaeus's establishment of binomial nomenclature in the 18th century, as these "dead" languages remain stable across cultures, preventing shifts in meaning that could arise from vernacular terms and promoting unbiased global communication in science.[9][6]Linguistic Origins
Latin, an Indo-European language originating from ancient Rome, serves as a primary source for descriptive terms in scientific nomenclature, such as adjectives like albus meaning "white," which contribute to forming precise identifiers for characteristics in systematic names.[11] Greek, an ancient Indo-European language originating in the Mediterranean region around 2000 BCE with the earliest attestations in Mycenaean Greek c. 1400 BCE, provides the foundation for many technical terms adopted into scientific vocabulary through cultural and scholarly transmission, influencing fields requiring specialized descriptors.[12] Key grammatical features of these languages have been adapted for nomenclature. In Greek, combining forms often use a connective vowel like -o- to join roots, as seen in bio-logy (life-study), facilitating the creation of compound words that convey complex concepts efficiently.[1] Latin's declension system, which originally varied endings for case, number, and gender across five classes, has been simplified in scientific use to fixed, invariable forms that maintain universality while preserving etymological clarity.[1] This adaptation ensures terms like genus plurals (genera) follow classical patterns without full inflectional complexity.[1] The influence of other languages on this nomenclature is minimal, with Latin and Greek dominating due to their established roles in scholarly communication, avoiding significant borrowings from Arabic or Hebrew. These roots evolved through Medieval Latin, preserved in ecclesiastical and academic texts, and experienced revival during the Renaissance, when scholars revived classical forms to standardize emerging scientific discourse. Pronunciation guidelines for these roots emphasize classical conventions adapted to modern usage. For Greek, the digraph ch (chi) is pronounced as /k/, as in chorus ("KOR-us"); for Latin, the diphthong ae is typically rendered as /iː/, similar to the "y" in "try," as in Caesarea ("see-SAIR-ee-a").[13][14] These rules, drawn from Latin pronunciation akin to Italian or Spanish, aid in consistent oral communication of terms.[13] The Linnaean system relies on these linguistic foundations to ensure binomial names are internationally intelligible.Historical Context
Development in Biological Nomenclature
The development of biological nomenclature, particularly the integration of Latin and Greek words, began with the foundational work of Carl Linnaeus in the mid-18th century. In his 1753 publication Species Plantarum, Linnaeus systematically applied binomial nomenclature to plants, assigning each species a two-part name consisting of a genus and a specific epithet, both formed in Latin or latinized Greek to ensure universality and precision. This system replaced earlier, cumbersome polynomial descriptions with concise, standardized terms, such as Rosa canina for the dog rose, drawing on classical languages for their grammatical flexibility and international accessibility. Linnaeus extended this approach to animals in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae in 1758, establishing it as the starting point for zoological nomenclature, with examples like Felis catus for the domestic cat, where "felis" derives from Latin for "cat" and "catus" from Latin for "domestic." These works not only cataloged thousands of species but also embedded Latin and Greek roots—such as "homo" (Latin for "man") in Homo sapiens (1758)—as the linguistic foundation for taxonomic naming, promoting consistency across scientific communication. Following Linnaeus, the 19th century saw expansions influenced by evolutionary theory, notably Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species (1859), which shifted taxonomic focus toward phylogenetic relationships and encouraged the use of descriptive Latin and Greek terms reflecting ancestry and adaptation. Darwin's emphasis on common descent prompted taxonomists to coin names like Darwinia (a genus honoring him, from Latinized Greek) or terms incorporating roots such as "phylon" (Greek for "tribe" or "race") to denote evolutionary lineages, integrating classical etymology with emerging biological concepts. This period marked a transition from purely morphological classification to one incorporating evolutionary descriptors, though the core Linnaean structure remained intact. Standardization accelerated in the 20th century through international codes that formalized the use of Latin and Greek forms. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), first established in 1905 and revised through subsequent editions (e.g., 1964, 1985, 1999), mandates that animal names be spelled using the Latin alphabet and treated as Latin, even when derived from Greek, with specific rules for gender agreement and latinization of new coinages, such as forming adjectival epithets like -oides (Greek for "resembling"). Similarly, the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN), originating from Alphonse de Candolle's 1867 Lois de la Nomenclature Botanique and codified in editions like the 1905-1906 International Rules, requires plant names to be in Latin form regardless of origin, including provisions for hybrid names using the multiplication sign (×) followed by latinized parental epithets, as standardized by committees at botanical congresses (e.g., 1950 Stockholm Code). These codes, overseen by bodies like the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature and the International Association for Plant Taxonomy, addressed ambiguities in hybrid formations—such as × Cupressocyparis leylandii (a conifer hybrid)—by enforcing grammatical rules from classical languages, ensuring stability amid growing taxonomic complexity. By the late 20th century, these frameworks had solidified Latin and Greek as indispensable for precise, globally recognized biological names.Adoption in Other Sciences
The adoption of Latin and Greek words in systematic nomenclature extended beyond biology during the 19th century, largely influenced by the precedent set by Linnaean binomial systems in classifying organisms, which emphasized precise, root-based descriptors for universality across sciences. In chemistry, early precursors to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) rules incorporated Greek numerical prefixes to denote atom counts in compounds, facilitating systematic naming amid rapid discoveries in organic synthesis. For instance, prefixes such as mono-, di-, and tri-—derived from Greek words for one, two, and three—were applied to hydrocarbons like methane (one carbon) and ethane (two carbons), reflecting a shift from ad hoc labels to structured conventions by chemists like Justus von Liebig.[15] In medicine, the Renaissance revival of Galen's ancient Greek terminology further propelled this interdisciplinary spread, as scholars retranslated and integrated terms from his works into Latin anatomical studies, bridging classical knowledge with emerging empirical observations. Examples include cardio- from the Greek kardia (heart), used in compounds like cardiology to describe heart-related functions, which gained prominence through dissections by figures such as Andreas Vesalius. This tradition persisted into modern pharmacology, where the World Health Organization (WHO) standardizes International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) using Latin and Greek stems to indicate therapeutic classes, such as -olol (from Greek roots denoting blockers) for beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists like propranolol. Cross-disciplinary hybrids emerged as fields overlapped, blending biological and chemical roots; the term biochemistry, coined in the mid-19th century from Greek bios (life) and the Latin-influenced chemistry, exemplifies this fusion, denoting the study of chemical processes in living organisms and highlighting nomenclature's role in unifying sciences.[16] However, challenges arose from field-specific variations, particularly in chemistry where systematic IUPAC names (e.g., 2,2,4-trimethylpentane for isooctane) often clashed with retained trivial names (e.g., acetone for propan-2-one), stemming from historical priorities and practical usage since the 1892 Geneva Congress. These discrepancies underscore the tension between precision and tradition in non-biological applications.[17]Usage Across Disciplines
In Biology and Taxonomy
In biology and taxonomy, Latin and Greek words form the foundation of systematic nomenclature, enabling precise and universal identification of organisms across hierarchical ranks from family to species. This system, rooted in the Linnaean tradition of binomial nomenclature, mandates the use of Latinized forms derived from classical languages to ensure stability and international consistency.[18][19] At higher taxonomic levels, standardized suffixes derived from Latin and Greek are appended to base names, typically drawn from a type genus, to denote ranks such as families and orders. For animals, the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) specifies that family names end in -idae (e.g., Felidae from Felis, meaning cat-like, derived from Latin felis), superfamilies in -oidea, subfamilies in -inae, and tribes in -ini. In contrast, for plants, algae, and fungi, the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN) requires family names to end in -aceae (e.g., Rosaceae from Rosa, the rose family, from Latin rosa), orders in -ales (e.g., Rosales), subfamilies in -oideae, and suborders in -ineae. These suffixes must conform to Latin or Greek grammatical endings, with the base name Latinized if necessary, to reflect the rank rather than the taxonomic content itself. At the genus and species levels, Latin and Greek roots are often used descriptively to convey characteristics such as habitat, morphology, or behavior, providing etymological insight into the organism's traits. For instance, the specific epithet riparius (Latin for "of the riverbank") is applied to species inhabiting riparian zones, as in Carex riparia, a sedge found along waterways. Similarly, spinosa (Latin for "spiny") describes thorny plants like Opuntia spinosa, highlighting their morphological features. Genus names may combine Greek elements, such as Hippocampus (from Greek hippos, horse, and kampos, sea monster), referring to seahorses with their horse-like heads. The binomial species name Canis lupus exemplifies Latin usage, combining canis (dog or wolf) and lupus (wolf) to denote the gray wolf. These descriptive terms must be treated as Latin adjectives or nouns in agreement with the genus name's gender and case.[20] Regulatory frameworks enforced by the ICZN and ICN prioritize Latin and Greek derivations to maintain nomenclatural stability, with all scientific names required to use the Latin alphabet and be Latinized regardless of origin. The principle of priority ensures the oldest valid name prevails, favoring descriptive terms over later eponyms (honorific names like linnaei for Carl Linnaeus) unless the latter have precedence under specific exceptions. Eponyms, often genitive forms of personal names, contrast with descriptive names by honoring individuals rather than describing traits, but both must adhere to Latin grammatical rules; for example, ICZN Article 31 allows species-group names to be adjectives in the nominative or genitive case. Violations, such as non-Latinized forms, render names unavailable, underscoring the codes' emphasis on classical languages for universality.In Chemistry
In chemistry, Latin and Greek roots underpin the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature system, enabling the systematic construction of names for organic and inorganic compounds based on their structural features, functional groups, and substituent counts. This approach ensures unambiguous identification of molecular compositions, drawing heavily from classical languages to describe elements like carbon chains, bonds, and multiplicities. The 2013 IUPAC Blue Book formalized these conventions, emphasizing hierarchical naming priorities for complex structures.[21] Numerical prefixes, primarily of Greek origin, quantify the number of identical substituents or structural units in a compound. For instance, di- (from Greek dis, meaning two) and tri- (from Greek treis, meaning three) denote two or three occurrences, as seen in trichloromethane (CHCl₃), where tri- indicates three chlorine atoms attached to the methane backbone. These prefixes extend to higher numbers, such as tetra- (four) and penta- (five), following IUPAC rules for simple and complex multiplicities, with modifications like tetrakis- for intricate ligands to avoid ambiguity.[5][6] Functional group nomenclature incorporates suffixes and prefixes rooted in Latin and Greek to signify specific reactive sites. The suffix -ol, denoting alcohols (compounds with a hydroxyl group, -OH), derives from "alcohol," a term of Arabic origin (al-kuḥl) adopted into Latin and later standardized in IUPAC, as in ethanol (C₂H₅OH). Complementing this, the prefix hydro- (from Greek hydōr, meaning water) describes water-related additions or hydrogen content, such as in hydrocarbons or hydrated ions, highlighting the linguistic blend for aqueous or hydrogenous features.[6][22] For hydrocarbons, root names and suffixes systematically convey saturation and bonding using Greco-Latin elements. The suffix -ane identifies saturated alkanes (single bonds), -ene unsaturated compounds with double bonds, and -yne those with triple bonds; these endings are appended to stems like meth- (from Greek/Latin for wood or wine derivatives) to form names such as ethane (C₂H₆) or propyne (C₃H₄). A notable example is anthracene (C₁₄H₁₀), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon named from Greek anthrax (meaning coal), reflecting its isolation from coal tar and bluish luminescence akin to glowing embers.[6][23] Illustrative compounds further demonstrate this integration. Ethanol combines the root eth- (from ether or early hydrocarbon naming) with -ol to specify the alcohol functional group on a two-carbon chain. Similarly, glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), a key sugar in photosynthetic pathways, derives its name from Greek gleukos (sweet wine), capturing its sweet taste and role as a carbohydrate intermediate. These terms, while rooted in classical languages, evolved through early chemical discoveries influenced briefly by biological observations of natural substances.[24][25] Recent IUPAC updates, including the 2013 recommendations, extend these principles to emerging fields like nanomaterials by incorporating Greek-derived prefixes such as nano- (from nanos, meaning dwarf) to denote structures at the 1–100 nm scale, as in nanocrystalline carbon or nanodiamonds, ensuring consistency in naming nanoscale modifications of traditional compounds.[26]In Medicine and Pharmacology
In medicine and pharmacology, Latin and Greek roots form the foundation of anatomical terminology, enabling precise descriptions of body structures. The prefix cardio- derives from the Greek kardia, meaning "heart," and is used in terms like cardiology to denote cardiac-related conditions or procedures. Similarly, neuro- originates from the Greek neuron, signifying "nerve," as seen in neurology for the study of the nervous system. The Latin word corpus, meaning "body," appears in terms like corpuscle, referring to small cellular bodies such as red blood corpuscles in hematology. These roots facilitate standardized naming in clinical contexts, promoting clarity across languages.[27][28][29] Pathological terms often employ Greek suffixes to indicate disease processes, enhancing diagnostic specificity. The suffix -itis, from Greek meaning "inflammation," is appended to roots to describe inflammatory conditions, as in appendicitis for inflammation of the appendix. The suffix -oma, derived from Greek oma ("mass" or "tumor"), denotes neoplastic growths, exemplified by carcinoma for malignant tumors of epithelial origin. These elements allow for concise yet descriptive nomenclature in pathology reports and medical literature.[30] Pharmacological naming draws on these roots to reflect drug actions and origins, aiding in therapeutic classification. Analgesic combines the Greek prefix an- ("without") and algos ("pain"), describing agents that relieve pain without loss of consciousness, such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Antibiotics like penicillin derive from the Latin Penicillium, the mold genus (penicillus meaning "little brush" due to its spore structure) from which it was isolated. Examples include hypertension, from Greek hyper- ("over" or "high") and Latin tensio ("stretching" or "pressure"), indicating elevated blood pressure. Another is aspirin, chemically acetylsalicylic acid, where "salicylic" stems from Salix (Latin for "willow"), the plant source of its active precursor salicin used historically for pain relief.[31][32][33][34] Standards such as the Nomina Anatomica (historical international anatomical nomenclature) and the International Nonproprietary Names (INN) system ensure consistent use of Latin and Greek-derived terms in medical practice. The Nomina Anatomica, developed from 1895 to 1983, standardized anatomical descriptors primarily in Latin with Greek influences to support global education and research. The INN program, managed by the World Health Organization, assigns generic drug names using stems from Greek and Latin roots (e.g., -vir for antivirals from Latin virus), promoting unambiguous identification in pharmacology.[35]Alphabetical List
A
The section on prefixes and roots beginning with "A" in systematic nomenclature highlights common elements derived from classical languages, primarily used to denote absence, position, color, or environmental conditions in scientific naming conventions across biology, chemistry, medicine, and related fields. These terms facilitate precise description in taxonomy, anatomy, and chemical compounds, often combining with other roots to form binomial names or technical descriptors. A table summarizing key examples is provided below, focusing on their linguistic origins, primary meanings, and representative applications in systematic names.| Prefix/Root | Origin | Meaning | Examples in Systematic Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| a-/an- | Greek | without, not, lacking | In biology, anaerobic describes organisms or processes lacking oxygen, as in anaerobic bacteria; in chemistry, anhydrous refers to substances without water molecules.[36][37][38] |
| ab- | Latin | away from, off, down | In botany, abaxial denotes the side of a leaf or organ facing away from the stem axis; in anatomy, abductor muscles move parts away from the body's midline.[36][37][39] |
| acantho-/acanth- | Greek (from akantha, thorn) | thorn, spine, prickle | In biology, Acanthaceae is a plant family characterized by spiny structures, such as in the genus Acanthus; acanthocyte describes spiny red blood cells in medical pathology.[37] |
| acro- | Greek (from akros, top) | top, peak, extremity | In medicine, acrocephalic refers to a condition of abnormal head shape with a peaked top; in botany, acropetal describes development from base to apex in inflorescences.[37][38] |
| aero- | Greek (from aēr, air) | air | In biology, aerobe denotes organisms requiring oxygen, as in aerobic respiration; in chemistry, aerosol describes suspensions of fine solid or liquid particles in air.[36][37][1][38] |
| albi-/alb- | Latin (from albus, white) | white, pale | In taxonomy, species names like Lupus albus indicate white coloration; in medicine, albumin refers to white proteins in blood plasma.[37] |
| ambi-/amphi- | Latin/Greek (from ambi both, amphi around) | both, around, on both sides | In biology, amphibian classifies animals living in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, such as frogs in the class Amphibia.[36][37][38] |
| andro- | Greek (from anēr/andros, man/male) | male, man | In medicine and endocrinology, androgen denotes male sex hormones like testosterone; in botany, androecium refers to the male reproductive structures in flowers.[36][37][38] |
| angio- | Greek (from angeion, vessel) | vessel, container | In biology, angiosperm names flowering plants with seeds enclosed in vessels (ovaries); in medicine, angiogram is an imaging technique for blood vessels.[36][37][1] |
| antho- | Greek (from anthos, flower) | flower | In botany, Anthoceros is a genus of hornworts with flower-like reproductive structures; anthozoan describes flower-animal-like cnidarians such as sea anemones.[37][38] |
| anti- | Greek (from anti, against) | against, opposite | In pharmacology, antibiotic refers to substances that act against bacteria, such as penicillin; in medicine, antibody denotes proteins countering pathogens.[36][37][38] |
| aqua-/aqu- | Latin (from aqua, water) | water | In taxonomy, epithets like aquatica denote aquatic habitats, as in Myosotis aquatica (water forget-me-not); in chemistry, aqueous describes solutions in water, as in aqueous acids.[36][37][38] |
B
The root bacca-/ bacc- originates from Latin bacca, denoting a berry or small fruit, and is employed in botanical nomenclature to describe plants bearing berry-like structures.[40] For instance, the genus Vaccinium (encompassing blueberries and related species) draws from classical Latin vaccinium, a term for berry-producing plants, reflecting their small, succulent fruits.[41] This root emphasizes descriptive morphology in systematic names, aiding identification in taxonomy. The element barb- stems from Latin barba, meaning beard, and appears in names highlighting hair-like or bristled features in plants. In bryology, the moss genus Barbula derives its name from barbula, a diminutive form signifying "little beard," referring to the tufted, hair-like peristome teeth surrounding the spore capsule.[42] This usage underscores microscopic anatomical traits in moss classification. The prefixes bi- and bis- trace to Latin bi- (from bis, twice) and parallel Greek di-, both indicating duality or repetition, and are prevalent in biological and chemical nomenclature for denoting paired or double elements. In biology, bipedal describes organisms like humans that locomote on two feet, combining bi- with pes (foot).[43] In chemistry, binary compounds involve exactly two distinct elements, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), where the term originates from Latin bini (two together).[44] The prefix bio- derives from Greek bios, meaning life, and forms the basis for terms across biology, ecology, and medicine that pertain to living processes or organisms.[45] The discipline of biology itself combines bio- with logos (study), denoting the scientific study of life.[46] In ecology, biome refers to large-scale communities of life forms adapted to specific climates, coined in the early 20th century from bio- and the suffix -ome (mass or body).[47] Medically, biotin (vitamin B7) gets its name from Greek biotos (sustenance for life), highlighting its role in metabolic functions essential for cellular growth.[48] Brachy- comes from Greek brakhus, signifying short, and is used in zoological names to indicate abbreviated body parts or structures.[49] The class Brachypoda (short-footed) within Cephalocarida crustaceans combines brachy- with pous (foot), describing their compact appendages.[50] This root facilitates precise taxonomic differentiation based on proportional morphology. The combining form broncho- originates from Greek bronkhos, referring to the windpipe or trachea, and is integral to medical terminology for respiratory anatomy.[51] In conditions like bronchitis, it denotes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways branching from the trachea into the lungs.[52]C
The section on terms beginning with "C" in systematic nomenclature highlights prefixes and roots often denoting colors, anatomical features, and biological structures, particularly in biology, botany, medicine, and mycology. These elements draw from Latin and Greek to describe visual traits like blue or green hues, or structural aspects such as heads, hearts, or cells, aiding in the precise classification of organisms and compounds. Caeci- or caec-, from Latin caecus meaning "blind," refers to blind-ended or closed structures in anatomical and taxonomic contexts.[53] It appears in the genus Caecum (family Caecidae), a group of minute, tube-dwelling gastropod mollusks whose shell morphology resembles a blind pouch.[54] Caeruleo-, derived from Latin caeruleus meaning "blue" or "sky-colored," is commonly used in plant and animal taxonomy to denote bluish features.[55] For instance, the species epithet caerulea describes the blue flowers of Passiflora caerulea, a vine in the passionflower genus native to South America.[56] Canis, a Latin noun meaning "dog," forms the basis of the genus Canis in the family Canidae, encompassing wolves, coyotes, jackals, and domestic dogs.[57] This taxonomic usage reflects the shared canid characteristics, with Canis lupus as the gray wolf species.[58] Capit-, from Latin caput meaning "head," denotes head-like or terminal structures, especially in botanical descriptions.[59] In botany, capitate describes heads or clusters, such as the capitate stigma of the primrose (Primula), where the stigma forms a rounded, head-shaped tip.[60] Cardi-, originating from Greek kardia meaning "heart," is a key root in medical and anatomical nomenclature for heart-related terms.[61] It appears in cardiovascular, referring to the heart and blood vessels system, as in cardiovascular diseases affecting cardiac function.[62] Carp-, from Greek karpos meaning "fruit," is used in mycology and botany to describe fruiting bodies or fruit-like structures.[63] In fungi, it forms terms like sporocarp, the fruiting body producing spores, analogous to a fruit in higher plants.[64] Chloro-, derived from Greek chlōros meaning "green" or "pale green," indicates green coloration or components in biological and chemical names.[65] This is evident in chlorophyll, the green pigment essential for photosynthesis in plants and algae.[66] Chromo-, from Greek chrōma meaning "color," relates to colored bodies or staining properties in cellular biology.[67] It underlies chromosome, the colored (stainable) thread-like structures in cell nuclei carrying genetic information.[68] Cirrh-, from Greek kirrhos meaning "tawny" or "yellowish," describes tawny or orange-yellow appearances in medical pathology.[69] In medicine, it forms cirrhosis, a liver disease characterized by tawny scar tissue formation.[70] Cyto-, from Greek kytos meaning "hollow vessel" or "cell," pertains to cells or cellular components in biological nomenclature.[71] This prefix is seen in cytoplasm, the cell's internal material excluding the nucleus, encompassing organelles and cytosol.[72]D
The prefix dactyl-, derived from the Greek daktylos meaning "finger," is used in biological nomenclature to denote structures resembling fingers or toes, such as digits in anatomy or finger-like projections in plants.[73] For instance, the grass genus Dactylis (e.g., Dactylis glomerata, cock's-foot grass) refers to its finger-like seed heads, a naming convention in botany that highlights morphological features.[74] Deca-, originating from the Greek deka meaning "ten," serves as a numerical prefix in chemistry and other sciences to indicate a quantity of ten, particularly in naming compounds with ten units or atoms.[75] A representative example is decane (C₁₀H₂₂), an alkane hydrocarbon with ten carbon atoms, systematically named under IUPAC conventions to denote chain length in organic chemistry.[76] The combining form dendro-, from the Greek dendron meaning "tree," is employed in biology and medicine to describe branching, tree-like structures, evoking the arborized patterns observed in nature.[77] In neurobiology, dendrite refers to the branched extensions of neurons that receive synaptic inputs, a term that underscores their resemblance to tree branches in facilitating signal propagation.[78] Similarly, in botany, Dendrocalamus denotes a genus of bamboos with tree-like growth habits. Di- (Greek, from dis meaning "twice" or "two") and duo- (Latin, from duo meaning "two") are prefixes indicating duality or a pair in scientific nomenclature, often used interchangeably but with di- predominant in Greek-derived terms and duo- in Latin contexts.[36] In chemistry, dioxide (e.g., carbon dioxide, CO₂) specifies two oxygen atoms bonded to another element.[79] In biology, diploid describes cells with two sets of chromosomes (2n), a fundamental concept in genetics for organisms like humans. These prefixes share numerical patterns with bi-, both denoting two in multiplicative contexts across disciplines.[80] Dorso-, stemming from the Latin dorsum meaning "back," is a prefix in anatomy and zoology referring to the dorsal or posterior aspect of an organism or structure.[81] For example, dorsalis is used in terms like arteria dorsalis pedis (dorsal artery of the foot), indicating its location on the back of the foot in human anatomy.[82] The prefix dys-, from the Greek dys- meaning "bad," "hard," or "difficult," prefixes terms in medicine and biology to signify abnormality, impairment, or dysfunction.[83] A common application is dyslexia, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in reading and language processing due to impaired phonological awareness.[84]E
In systematic nomenclature, roots beginning with "e" often denote external characteristics, palatability, internal versus external positioning, and functional aspects like energy or authenticity, drawing from classical Latin and Greek to describe morphological, physiological, or qualitative traits in biology, chemistry, and related fields.- eburn-: Derived from the Latin ebur meaning "ivory," this root is used to describe species with ivory-like coloration or texture, as in the avian specific epithet eburneus (ivory-colored), applied to taxa resembling polished ivory in appearance.[85]
- echin-: From the Greek echinos meaning "hedgehog" or "spiny," this prefix refers to spiny or prickly structures, prominently featured in the phylum name Echinodermata, which encompasses marine invertebrates with calcareous spines on their endoskeleton-covered skin./28%3A_Invertebrates/28.05%3A_Superphylum_Deuterostomia/28.5A%3A_Phylum_Echinodermata)
- ecto-: Originating from the Greek ektos meaning "outside" or "external," this prefix denotes outer layers or surfaces, as seen in ectoplasm, the external region of cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells adjacent to the plasma membrane.[86]
- edul-: From the Latin edulis meaning "edible," this root highlights palatability or suitability for consumption, commonly used in mycology for non-toxic fungi, such as the specific epithet edulis in Boletus edulis, denoting its culinary value.[87]
- endo-: Derived from the Greek endon meaning "within" or "inner," this prefix indicates internal structures or processes, exemplified in endocrine, referring to glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream rather than through ducts.[88]
- epi-: From the Greek epi meaning "upon," "over," or "on," this prefix describes superficial or overlying features, as in epidermis, the outermost layer of vertebrate skin that protects underlying tissues.[89]
- ergo-: Stemming from the Greek ergon meaning "work" or "energy," this root is employed in chemical nomenclature for compounds related to metabolic energy, such as ergosterol, a sterol in fungal cell membranes that serves as a precursor to vitamin D2 upon ultraviolet irradiation.[90]
- eu-: From the Greek eu meaning "true," "good," or "well," this prefix signifies authenticity or well-formed structures, notably in eukaryote, organisms with membrane-bound nuclei and complex organelles distinguishing them from prokaryotes.[91]
F
The Latin adjective fallax denotes "deceptive" or "false," derived from the verb fallere meaning to deceive. In systematic nomenclature, particularly in zoology, it describes taxa with misleading morphological traits that resemble other species. For instance, the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne fallax receives this epithet due to its deceptive similarity to M. chitwoodi, complicating identification in agricultural contexts.[92][93] The Latin root fel-, from the noun felis (genitive felis), translates to "cat." This stem is foundational in zoological taxonomy for naming felid genera and species, reflecting their feline nature. The genus Felis, established by Linnaeus, encompasses small cats such as the domestic cat (Felis catus), emphasizing shared anatomical and behavioral traits within the Felidae family.[94][95] The Latin verb stem fer-, from ferre (to bear, carry, or produce), indicates capacity for supporting or generating. In botanical nomenclature, it appears in descriptors like fertilis (fertile), denoting reproductive productivity in plants, such as fertile fronds in ferns or seed-bearing structures in angiosperms. This usage highlights adaptive traits in plant taxonomy, where fertility distinguishes life cycle stages.[96][97] The Latin noun stem fibr-, from fibra, signifies "fiber" or "filament," referring to thread-like structures in biological tissues. In medical and biological terminology, it forms compounds like fibroblast, a connective tissue cell responsible for synthesizing fibrous extracellular matrix components such as collagen. This root underscores the role of fibroblasts in wound healing and tissue maintenance across vertebrate physiology.[98][99] The Latin noun stem foli-, from folium (leaf), denotes leafy structures or foliage. In botanical systematic names, it appears in family or generic descriptors like Foliaceae (though not a standard family, evoking leaf-dominant traits) or epithets such as unifolius (one-leaved), classifying plants by leaf arrangement and morphology. This root is prevalent in taxonomy to indicate vegetative characteristics, aiding identification in herbarium classifications.[100][101] The Latin noun stem fruct-, from fructus (fruit), refers to fruit or produce. In chemical nomenclature, it derives terms like fructose, a monosaccharide abundant in fruits and honey, systematically named as D-(-)-fructose under IUPAC conventions to distinguish its ketose structure from glucose. This etymology reflects fructose's natural occurrence in ripe plant fruits, informing biochemical classifications.[102]G
The root gala- or galact-, derived from the Greek gála (stem galakt-), meaning "milk," is commonly used in systematic nomenclature to denote milk or substances related to it. In chemistry, it forms the basis for galactose, a monosaccharide that constitutes half of the lactose disaccharide found in mammalian milk. In biology, the root appears in terms such as galactolipid, referring to glycolipids containing galactose that are prevalent in plant and animal cell membranes, particularly in the brain and myelin sheath. Although primarily astronomical, galaxy traces to the same etymology, describing the Milky Way's milky appearance, which has influenced biological naming conventions for milky fluids in some contexts. The prefix geo-, from the Greek gē, meaning "earth," is widely applied in biological and taxonomic nomenclature to indicate relations to the earth or land. In biology, it features in geotropism (also known as gravitropism), the directional growth response of plants toward or away from the earth's gravitational pull. The term underpins geology, the scientific study of the earth's physical structure and history, which intersects with biology in paleontology and environmental science. In taxonomy, geo- briefly references earth-related habitats, such as in geophyte, describing perennial plants with underground storage organs adapted to terrestrial environments. Gloss-, originating from the Greek glōssa, meaning "tongue," serves as a combining form in medical nomenclature for terms involving the tongue or related structures. A key example is glossitis, an inflammation of the tongue often caused by nutritional deficiencies, infections, or irritants. This root also appears in glossectomy, the surgical removal of the tongue or part of it, used in treatments for oral cancer. It extends metaphorically to speech-related conditions, such as glossolalia in psychiatric contexts, though primarily rooted in anatomical descriptions. The root glyc-, from the Greek glykys, meaning "sweet," is prevalent in biological and chemical nomenclature for sugar-related compounds. In biology, glycogen represents a branched polysaccharide that serves as the primary energy storage form in animals and fungi, synthesized from glucose in liver and muscle cells. It forms the basis for glycolysis, the metabolic pathway breaking down glucose to produce energy. In chemistry, this root denotes glycosides and other sweet-tasting or carbohydrate-derived molecules, emphasizing their role in cellular processes. Gono-, derived from the Greek gonos, meaning "seed" or "progeny," is used in medical nomenclature, particularly for reproductive or generative processes. The term gonorrhea exemplifies this, historically denoting a "flow of seed" due to the purulent discharge mistaken for semen by ancient physicians like Galen. In broader medical contexts, it appears in gonadotropin, hormones stimulating gonadal function in reproduction. The root underscores seed-like or seminal aspects in pathology and endocrinology. The Latin root grav-, from gravis, meaning "heavy," is employed in biological nomenclature to describe states of burden or fullness, especially pregnancy. In biology, gravid refers to a female animal carrying developing young, as in gravid uterus in mammalian reproduction studies. This usage highlights the physiological weight of gestation, paralleling terms like gravidity, the condition or fact of being pregnant. It contrasts with lighter reproductive phases and is standard in veterinary and human biology. Gymno-, from the Greek gymnos, meaning "naked" or "bare," is a key root in botanical nomenclature for exposed or uncovered structures. In botany, gymnosperm designates a division of seed plants with ovules and seeds not enclosed in an ovary, such as conifers and cycads, distinguishing them from angiosperms. This term, coined in the 19th century, reflects the "naked seeds" borne on scales or leaves. The root also appears in gymnospore, referring to naked spores in certain algae and fungi.H
The prefix haem- or hem-, derived from the Ancient Greek haima meaning "blood," is commonly used in scientific nomenclature to denote terms related to blood components or functions, particularly in medicine and chemistry. For instance, hemoglobin refers to the iron-containing protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport.[103][104] The prefix hali-, originating from the Greek hals meaning "salt" or "sea," appears in taxonomic names associated with marine environments or salinity. An example is Halichondria (a genus of sea sponges), where the name reflects sea-related habitats.[105][106] Haplo-, from the Greek haplous signifying "single" or "simple," is employed in biology to describe uncomplicated or singular structures, such as in haploid cells that contain a single set of chromosomes, contrasting with diploid cells. This usage underscores simplicity in genetic and cellular contexts.[107][108] In systematic naming, hetero- stems from the Greek heteros, meaning "different" or "other," and denotes variation or dissimilarity across disciplines like biology and chemistry. For example, heterogeneous mixtures in chemistry involve non-uniform components, while in biology, heterosexual reproduction involves different sexes.[109][110] The numerical prefix hexa-, derived from the Greek hex for "six," is standard in chemical nomenclature to indicate six units, as seen in hexane, a hydrocarbon with six carbon atoms in its chain. It follows the Greek series from penta- and precedes hepta-.[111][112] Hydro-, from the Greek hydor meaning "water," is widely used in chemistry to signify water-related compounds, such as hydrate for substances incorporating water molecules, and in medicine for water-based therapies like hydrotherapy, which involves treatment with water to alleviate pain or promote healing.[113][114] The prefix hyper-, rooted in the Greek hyper denoting "over" or "excess," is prevalent in medical terminology to describe conditions of elevation or surplus, exemplified by hypertension, a state of abnormally high blood pressure.[115][116] Conversely, hypo-, from the Greek hypo meaning "under" or "deficient," indicates reduction or below-normal states in nomenclature, particularly in medicine, as in hypodermic injections administered beneath the skin or hypotension for low blood pressure.[117][118]I–K
The prefixes and roots beginning with "I," "J," or "K" in systematic nomenclature, particularly in medicine and pharmacology, derive primarily from Latin and Greek, denoting anatomical locations, equality, geographic origins, horny structures, motion, and spinal deformities. These elements facilitate precise descriptions in anatomical, biological, and taxonomic contexts, such as muscle names, chemical compounds, species designations, and pathological conditions. iliac- (Latin, pertaining to the ilium or groin region): This prefix originates from the Latin ilia, meaning "groin" or "flank," referring to the uppermost and largest part of the hip bone, the ilium.[119] In anatomical nomenclature, it describes structures associated with the pelvic area, such as the iliacus muscle, which originates from the iliac fossa and aids in hip flexion.[120] The term extends to vascular elements like the common iliac artery, which supplies blood to the lower limbs and pelvis from the abdominal aorta bifurcation.[121] iso- (Greek isos, equal): Derived from Ancient Greek ἴσος (ísos), meaning "equal" or "like," this prefix is widely used in scientific names to indicate uniformity or similarity in structure, composition, or function.[122] In chemistry, it forms terms like isotope, denoting atoms of the same element with equal atomic numbers but differing mass numbers due to neutron count variations.[123] Biologically, it appears in isogamy, describing reproduction where gametes are morphologically identical in size and form, as seen in certain algae and fungi.[124] japonic- (Latin japonicus, of or pertaining to Japan): This adjective stems from Modern Latin japonicus, a derivative of Japon (a Latinized form of "Japan"), used in binomial nomenclature to specify species native to or characteristic of Japan.[125] In botany, it denotes plants like Camellia japonica, the common camellia shrub originating from East Asia, including Japan.[126] Zoological examples include Rana japonica, a frog species endemic to Japanese islands, highlighting geographic specificity in taxonomy.[87] kerato- (Greek kéras, horn): From Ancient Greek κέρας (kéras), meaning "horn" or "something horny," this prefix refers to hard, keratinized tissues or corneal structures in medical and biological nomenclature.[127] In dermatology and biology, keratin describes the fibrous protein forming the outer skin layer, hair, and nails, providing protective rigidity.[128] Ophthalmologically, it prefixes terms like keratitis, inflammation of the cornea—the transparent, horn-like anterior eye layer.[129] kine- (Greek kínēsis, movement): Originating from Ancient Greek κίνησις (kínēsis), meaning "movement" or "motion," this root is employed in terms related to bodily motion and mechanics.[130] In medicine, kinesiology encompasses the study of human movement, analyzing muscle and joint functions for therapeutic applications like physical rehabilitation.[131] It also forms kinesin, a motor protein that facilitates intracellular transport along microtubules, essential in cellular biology and pharmacology.[132] kypho- (Greek kyphós, hump or bent): This prefix derives from Ancient Greek κυφός (kyphós), denoting a humpbacked or crooked condition, particularly of the spine.[133] In orthopedics, kyphosis describes an excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine, often resulting in a hunchback posture, as classified in medical diagnostics.[134] Related terms include kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure using balloon inflation to correct vertebral compression fractures associated with this deformity.[135]L
The section on "L" encompasses Latin and Greek roots commonly employed in systematic nomenclature across biology, medicine, and chemistry, particularly those denoting milky substances, lateral positions, hares, slenderness, whiteness, wood, and stones.- lact-: Derived from the Latin lac (genitive lactis), meaning "milk," this root is frequently used in chemical and biological terms to indicate milk-related components. For instance, lactose refers to the disaccharide sugar present in milk, highlighting its role in dairy biochemistry.[27][39]
- later-: Originating from the Latin latus (genitive lateris), meaning "side" or "flank," this root denotes positional aspects in anatomical nomenclature. It appears in terms like lateral, describing structures situated toward the side away from the midline, as in the lateral aspects of the human body.
- lepor-: From the Latin lepus, meaning "hare," this root is applied in zoological taxonomy to designate species within the family Leporidae. The genus Lepus exemplifies this, encompassing various hare species such as the European hare (Lepus europaeus).[136]
- lepto-: Stemming from the Greek leptos, meaning "slender" or "thin," this prefix is used in medical and microbiological contexts to describe fine or narrow forms. In leptospirosis, it refers to the slender, coiled spirochete bacteria of the genus Leptospira that cause this zoonotic infection.[137]
- leuco-/leuk-: Borrowed from the Greek leukos, meaning "white" or "clear," these variant forms (with leuco- in British English and leuk- in American English) denote pale or colorless elements in hematology and pathology. The term leukocyte describes white blood cells, which are colorless nucleated components of the immune system involved in defending against infections. This Greek root parallels Latin descriptors like albi- for whiteness but is preferred in modern medical nomenclature for cellular terms.[138]
- lign-: From the Latin lignum, meaning "wood," this root signifies woody or lignified structures in botany and chemistry. Lignin is the complex polymer that provides rigidity and water impermeability to plant cell walls, essential for vascular plant support.[139]
- lith-: Derived from the Greek lithos, meaning "stone," this root is common in medical procedures involving calculi. Lithotomy refers to the surgical incision to remove stones, historically from the bladder but now applied to gallstones or kidney stones.[140]
M
The prefix macro-, derived from the Greek makros meaning "long" or "large," is widely employed in biological and chemical nomenclature to denote structures or entities of relatively large size or extent. In biology, it appears in terms such as Macrochelys temminckii (a genus of large turtles) and macrophage (a large phagocytic cell involved in immune responses). In chemistry, it forms names like macromolecule, referring to polymers such as proteins and nucleic acids that exhibit large molecular weights.[141] The prefix mal-, originating from the Latin malus meaning "bad" or "evil," is used in medical and biological systematic names to indicate something harmful, abnormal, or defective. A prominent example is malaria, historically denoting a condition attributed to "bad air" but now referring to a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium species, as in the binomial Plasmodium falciparum. It also appears in terms like malformation for abnormal developmental structures in organisms.[142][143] Mega-, from the Greek megas meaning "great" or "large," serves as a prefix in biological nomenclature to describe entities of significant scale, often contrasting with smaller counterparts in taxonomic hierarchies. For instance, it is used in megaspore (a large spore in seed plants and ferns, such as in Selaginella species), and in broader contexts like megafauna for large animals such as Megalodon. This prefix also aligns with metric scaling in scientific measurement, though its primary role in systematics emphasizes size distinctions.[144][145] The combining form melano-, rooted in the Greek melas (genitive melanos) meaning "black" or "dark," is commonly applied in medical nomenclature to terms involving dark pigmentation or melanin-related structures. It features in melanoma, a malignant tumor of melanocytes, as classified under histological types in oncology. Similarly, melanocyte denotes pigment-producing cells, essential in dermatological and biological descriptions of skin coloration across species.[146][147] Meso-, derived from the Greek mesos meaning "middle" or "intermediate," is a key prefix in biological systematics for designating central or intermediary layers, regions, or forms. In developmental biology, it names the mesoderm, the middle embryonic germ layer giving rise to structures like muscles and bones in vertebrates. Taxonomically, it appears in genera such as Mesosaurus (an extinct reptile from intermediate aquatic habitats) and mesophyll in plant anatomy, referring to the middle tissue layer in leaves.[148][149] The prefix micro-, from the Greek mikros meaning "small," is fundamental in biological and chemical nomenclature for indicating minute scales or microscopic features. In biology, it forms terms like microbiology (the study of microorganisms, including genera such as Micrococcus) and microspore (small spores in plants). In chemistry, it denotes small entities as in micromolecule, though more commonly in measurements like micrometer for nanoscale compounds. This prefix facilitates distinctions in size-based taxonomy, such as between macro- and micro-organisms.[150][151] Mono-, originating from the Greek monos meaning "alone" or "single," is extensively used in chemical and biological nomenclature to specify a single unit or occurrence. In chemistry, it appears in monoxide (compounds with one oxygen atom, e.g., carbon monoxide, CO) and monomer (a single repeating unit in polymers). Biologically, it denotes singularity in terms like monocotyledon (plants with one seed leaf, as in the class Monocotyledonae) and monophagous for organisms feeding on a single food source.[152][153]N
The prefix neo-, derived from Ancient Greek néos meaning "new," is commonly used in systematic nomenclature to denote novelty or recency in scientific contexts. In chemistry, it appears in the element name neon, referring to the "new" gas discovered in 1898. In medicine, neoplasm combines neo- with the Greek plasma ("formation") to describe a new or abnormal growth, such as tumors.[154][155] The combining form neuro-, from Ancient Greek neûron meaning "nerve" or "sinew," forms the basis for terms related to the nervous system in biology and medicine. It originates from the Proto-Indo-European root *(s)neur-o- denoting tendons or nerves. In medical nomenclature, neurology uses neuro- with Greek -logia ("study of") to refer to the branch of science dealing with nerve disorders. Similarly, neuron itself denotes the fundamental unit of the nervous system, as coined in the 19th century from this root.[156][28][157] The root noct-, stemming from Latin nox (genitive noctis) meaning "night," is employed in biological terms to indicate nocturnal activity or nighttime phenomena. This element traces back to the Proto-Indo-European nekwt-, the source of words for night across Indo-European languages. In biology, nocturnal applies to organisms active at night, such as certain mammals or insects, contrasting with diurnal forms. It also features in noctilucent clouds, high-altitude atmospheric phenomena visible after sunset.[158][159][160] The prefix nom-, from Ancient Greek nómos meaning "law," "custom," or "order," is integral to taxonomic and classificatory nomenclature, emphasizing arrangement or regulation. Derived from the Proto-Indo-European *nem- ("to assign"), it underlies terms like taxonomy, which combines Greek taxis ("arrangement") and nomia ("law") to denote the science of classifying organisms based on shared characteristics. In broader systematic names, nomy endings, as in astronomy or economy, reflect this sense of ordered study.[161][2][162] The prefix noto-, borrowed from Ancient Greek nôton meaning "back," is used in zoological nomenclature to refer to dorsal or posterior structures in chordates. This term contributes to notochord, a flexible rod-like structure along the back of embryonic chordates, formed by combining noto- with Greek chordē ("cord" or "string"), as introduced by anatomist Richard Owen in 1848 to describe the primitive axial support in vertebrates. In biology, it highlights key evolutionary features, such as in lancelets where the notochord persists into adulthood.[163][164][165]O
The prefix oo- derives from the Ancient Greek word ōon, meaning "egg," and is commonly used in biological nomenclature to denote structures or processes related to eggs or ova. For instance, in reproductive biology, it appears in terms like oocyte, referring to a female gametocyte that develops into an egg cell through meiosis.[166][167] The combining form ophthalm- originates from the Ancient Greek ophthalmos, signifying "eye" or "the organ of sight," and is prevalent in medical terminology for conditions or studies involving the eye. A key example is ophthalmology, the branch of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.[168] Ortho- stems from the Greek orthos, meaning "straight," "right," or "correct," and is employed across disciplines to indicate alignment, rectification, or perpendicularity. In medicine, it features in orthodontics, the dental specialty focused on straightening misaligned teeth and jaws. In chemistry and crystallography, orthorhombic describes a crystal system with three unequal axes intersecting at right angles, representing straight alignments in atomic structures.[169][170] The prefix osteo- comes from the Ancient Greek osteon, denoting "bone," and is widely used in medical and anatomical terms related to the skeletal system. For example, osteoporosis refers to a condition characterized by reduced bone density and increased fragility due to porous bone tissue.[171][172] Oto- is derived from the Greek ous (stem ōt-), meaning "ear," and serves as a combining form in terms pertaining to the auditory system. In medicine, otology encompasses the study and treatment of ear diseases and related hearing impairments.[173][174]P
pan-The prefix pan- derives from the Greek word πᾶν (pân), meaning "all," "every," or "whole," and is commonly employed in systematic nomenclature to indicate universality or completeness across a group or entity.[175] In medical terminology, it appears in terms like pandemic, which describes a disease prevalent throughout an entire population or region. This usage extends to botanical names, such as Panax, denoting plants reputed for their all-healing properties, akin to a panacea.[176] ped- / pedo-
The prefix ped- has dual origins: from Latin pēs (foot), signifying the foot or related to walking, and from Greek pais (child), indicating children or youth.[177][178] In taxonomic contexts, the Latin form is used for structures involving feet, as in quadruped for four-footed animals. The Greek variant appears in pediatrics, the branch of medicine focused on child health. photo-
The prefix photo- originates from the Greek phōs (light), used in scientific names to denote processes or phenomena involving light.[179] In biology and chemistry, it features prominently in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. This term underscores light's role in the light reactions of plant photosynthesis, where photons drive electron transport. phyco-
The prefix phyco- stems from the Greek phŷkos (seaweed), applied in biological nomenclature to refer to algae or seaweed-like organisms.[180] In botany, phycology designates the scientific study of algae, encompassing their classification and ecology. Examples include phycocyanin, a pigment found in certain algae that aids in light absorption. ptero-
The prefix ptero- comes from the Greek pterón (wing or feather), utilized in systematic names to describe winged or feathered structures, particularly in zoology and paleontology.[181] In paleontology, pterodactyl refers to extinct flying reptiles with wing-like membranes, derived from pterón and dáktylos (finger). This prefix also appears in pterosaur, denoting a group of Mesozoic flying vertebrates. pyro-
The prefix pyro- derives from the Greek pŷr (fire), employed in chemical and scientific terms to indicate involvement of heat, fire, or combustion.[182] In chemistry, pyrolysis describes the thermal decomposition of materials in the absence of oxygen, a process fundamental to organic synthesis. It also features in pyrophosphate, compounds formed by heating phosphates, highlighting thermal transformation.
Q–R
The prefix quadr-, derived from the Latin quattuor meaning "four," is employed in systematic nomenclature to indicate multiplicity or quadripartite structures in biological and anatomical contexts.[183] In anatomy, it forms terms like quadriceps, denoting the four-headed femoral muscle (Musculus quadriceps femoris), which extends the leg.[184] This prefix also appears in zoological genera such as Quadrula, a bivalve mollusk group characterized by quadrangular shells, reflecting the shape's four-sided nature.[185] In chemistry, it briefly references four-carbon chains, as in quadric acid derivatives, though Greek tetra- is more common for inorganic compounds.[183] The root reg-, stemming from the Latin regere ("to rule" or "to direct") and related to rex ("king"), signifies governance, sovereignty, or linear guidance in taxonomic and biological naming conventions.[186] In taxonomy, it underlies genera like Regulus, the kinglets (family Regulidae), where regulus translates to "little king," alluding to the birds' diminutive size and ornate crown-like crests resembling royal headgear.[187] This root also informs terms such as regal in entomology, as in the regal fritillary butterfly (Speyeria idalia), evoking majestic or ruling qualities in species descriptions.[188] Broader applications include regulatory proteins like the REG family in immunology, which "rule" cellular regeneration and inflammation responses.[189] The prefix retro-, from Latin retro meaning "backward" or "behind," is utilized in biological and medical nomenclature to describe reversal, retrogression, or posterior positioning.[190] In virology, it defines retrovirus, a class of RNA viruses (family Retroviridae) that employ reverse transcriptase to synthesize DNA from RNA, inverting the typical genetic flow—a process termed "retro" for its backward transcription.[191] Medically, it appears in retroperitoneal, referring to structures behind the peritoneum, such as retroperitoneal lymph nodes in oncology.[192] This prefix highlights evolutionary or pathological regressions, as in retrograde amnesia in neurology, where memory formation reverts.[193] The root rhiz-, originating from the Greek rhiza ("root"), denotes root-like structures or origins in botanical and mycological systematic names.[194] In botany, it forms rhizome, a horizontal underground stem that produces roots and shoots, as seen in ginger (Zingiber officinale) and irises (Iris spp.), facilitating vegetative propagation.[195] Taxonomically, it appears in genera like Rhizobium, nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria forming root nodules on legumes, emphasizing symbiotic root associations.[196] Related terms include mycorrhiza, a fungal-root partnership enhancing nutrient uptake in plants.[1] The noun rosa, Latin for "rose," serves as the basis for plant taxonomy, particularly in naming the rose genus and its family.[197] In systematic botany, Rosa encompasses over 150 shrub species with pinnate leaves and showy flowers, cultivated for ornament and fragrance since antiquity.[198] The family Rosaceae derives directly from Rosa, comprising about 2,500 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees—including apples (Malus), strawberries (Fragaria), and almonds (Prunus)—unified by hypanthial flowers and often edible fruits.[199] This nomenclature reflects the rose's archetypal status in horticulture and phylogenetics.[200]S
The prefix sal-, derived from the Latin noun sal meaning "salt," is commonly employed in systematic nomenclature within chemistry and medicine to denote substances or solutions related to salt or salinity. For instance, in chemistry, it forms terms like saline, referring to salt-based compounds or solutions, as seen in sodium chloride derivatives essential for electrolyte balance. In medical contexts, saline describes isotonic solutions used for hydration or irrigation, highlighting the prefix's role in naming ionic compositions derived from natural salts.[201][202] The prefix sarco-, originating from the Greek sarx (genitive sarkos) meaning "flesh," is utilized in scientific names to indicate fleshy or soft tissue structures, particularly in anatomy and pathology. A prominent example is sarcophagus, a stone coffin named for its reputed ability to consume flesh rapidly due to the limestone's properties, reflecting ancient observations of decomposition. In medicine, sarcoma designates malignant tumors arising from connective tissues, emphasizing the prefix's application to flesh-derived growths in oncology.[203][204] Scler-, from the Greek sklēros meaning "hard," serves as a prefix in systematic names to denote hardness, rigidity, or hardening processes, especially in medical and biological contexts. It is exemplified in sclerosis, which refers to the pathological hardening of tissue, as in multiple sclerosis where neural sheaths become rigid, impairing signal transmission. This usage underscores the prefix's precision in describing sclerotic conditions across various organ systems. In botany, it briefly appears in terms for hardened plant tissues, such as sclerenchyma, which provide structural support.[205][206] The prefix somato-, rooted in the Greek sōma meaning "body," is applied in biology and medicine to terms relating to the physical body or bodily structures, distinguishing them from mental or spiritual aspects. For example, somatic cells denote non-reproductive body cells in organisms, crucial for growth and maintenance in developmental biology. This prefix facilitates nomenclature in fields like genetics, where somatic mutations affect bodily tissues rather than gametes.[207][208] Sperma-, derived from the Greek sperma meaning "seed," functions as a prefix in biological and medical nomenclature to refer to seeds, reproductive cells, or seminal fluids. It is notably used in sperm, denoting male gametes or spermatozoa, which carry genetic material for fertilization in reproductive biology. The term extends to concepts like spermatogenesis, the process of seed-like cell production, integral to understanding fertility and embryology.[209] The prefix stell-, from the Latin stella meaning "star," is incorporated into anatomical and descriptive scientific names to indicate star-like shapes or arrangements. In anatomy, stellate describes structures radiating from a central point, such as stellate cells in the liver or ganglia with star-shaped extensions facilitating neural communication. This starry connotation aids in visualizing branching patterns in histological nomenclature.[210][211]T
The prefix tect-, derived from the Latin noun tectum meaning "roof" or "covering," is employed in systematic nomenclature, particularly in anatomy and biology, to denote structures that form a protective or overlying layer. For instance, in neuroanatomy, the tectum refers to the roof-like dorsal portion of the midbrain, involved in visual and auditory reflexes. This usage stems from the verb tegere, "to cover," highlighting protective enclosures in biological contexts.[212][213] The prefix tele-, originating from the Ancient Greek adverb tēle meaning "far" or "distant," is widely used in scientific terms to indicate operation or perception over distance. In optics and astronomy, telescope combines tele- with skopeō ("to look"), referring to instruments that enable distant observation, a concept foundational to modern observational sciences. Similarly, in psychology and parapsychology, telepathy pairs tele- with pathos ("feeling"), describing supposed mind-to-mind communication at a distance, though its scientific validity remains debated.[214][215] Terra-, from the Latin noun terra meaning "earth" or "land," appears in systematic names within biology and ecology to specify terrestrial or land-based features. In biological classification, terrestrial describes organisms adapted to land environments, as opposed to aquatic ones, such as in the study of terrestrial ecosystems where soil and continental habitats are emphasized. This root underscores distinctions in habitat nomenclature across taxa.[216][217] The root therm-, drawn from the Ancient Greek thermē meaning "heat," is integral to nomenclature in physics, chemistry, and thermodynamics for terms related to temperature or thermal processes. The thermometer, formed by combining therm- with metron ("measure"), is a device for quantifying heat, central to experimental sciences since the 17th century. In chemistry, thermal denotes heat-related reactions, such as thermal decomposition, aiding in the classification of energy-involved processes.[218][219] Tri-, a numeral prefix from the Ancient Greek treis (or Latin trēs) meaning "three," is commonly used in systematic names across mathematics, anatomy, and chemistry to indicate tripartite structures or quantities. In geometry, triangle derives from tri- and gōnia ("angle"), denoting a three-sided polygon fundamental to spatial classifications. In anatomy, triceps (from Latin caput, "head") refers to the three-headed muscle of the arm, illustrating its role in describing muscular morphology. Additionally, in botanical taxonomy, trinomial nomenclature employs tri- implicitly in three-part species designations (genus, species, subspecies) for precise infraspecific categorization.[220][221] The noun tumor, from the Latin tumor meaning "swelling," is a key term in medical nomenclature for abnormal growths or enlargements, originally encompassing any bodily inflation but now specifically denoting neoplasms. In oncology, it classifies pathological swellings, distinguishing benign from malignant forms based on cellular proliferation, a distinction formalized in modern pathology. This etymology reflects its historical use by physicians like Galen to describe any localized expansion.[222][223]U–V
The prefix uni- originates from the Latin word unus, meaning "one" or "single," and is widely employed in systematic nomenclature to indicate unity or singularity.[224] In biological contexts, it describes structures or organisms with a single component, such as unicellular organisms like protozoa, which consist of one cell.[225] In medical terminology, unilateral denotes conditions affecting one side, as in unilateral renal agenesis, where only one kidney develops.[226] The root ur-, often appearing as uro-, stems from two distinct Greek sources and serves dual roles in scientific naming related to excretion and anatomy. From ouron ("urine"), it forms terms for urinary functions, exemplified by urology, the branch of medicine focused on the urinary tract and male reproductive system.[227] From oura ("tail"), it refers to caudal structures, such as uropod in arthropods, the paired appendages forming the tail fan in crustaceans like lobsters.[228] Vacca- derives from the Latin vacca, signifying "cow," and influences names in botanical taxonomy where associations with livestock grazing occur. The element vari- comes from Latin varius, denoting "various," "diverse," or "changing," and is integral to taxonomic designations highlighting variability. In botanical and zoological nomenclature, it underlies variety (abbreviated var.), a rank below subspecies for intra-specific differences, as in Solanum tuberosum var. tuberosum for a cultivar of potato.[229] It also appears in pathogen names like Varicella-zoster virus, reflecting the varied, spotted lesions of chickenpox.[230] Ventr-, from Latin venter meaning "belly" or "abdomen," is a key root in anatomical terminology for positional descriptors. The term ventral specifies the belly-facing or anterior aspect, contrasting with dorsal (back), as in the ventral aorta in vertebrate embryology or ventral tegmental area in neuroanatomy.[231][232] Vit- draws from Latin vita ("life") and vitis ("vine" or "wine-bearing plant"), applying to both biochemical and botanical contexts. In chemistry and medicine, vitamin was coined in 1912 by Casimir Funk from vita + amine (later shortened), denoting organic compounds essential for life, such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid).[233] In botany, it names the family Vitaceae, derived from the genus Vitis for grapevines, which produce wine and encompass species like Vitis vinifera.[234]W–Z
The section on roots beginning with W through Z in Latin and Greek etymologies for systematic names is notably sparse, as the classical languages lack the letter W entirely and use Y sparingly, primarily in loanwords or later adaptations; X and Z appear more frequently but still less commonly than earlier letters in scientific nomenclature. This scarcity reflects the phonetic and orthographic constraints of ancient Greek and Latin, where such initial sounds were rare, leading to fewer derivatives in fields like biology, chemistry, and medicine. Nonetheless, several influential roots from Greek have been adopted, particularly in botanical, zoological, and cellular terminology. Xylo- derives from the Ancient Greek xýlon (ξύλον), meaning "wood" or "timber," often referring to cut wood or even the cross in religious contexts. In systematic nomenclature, it denotes wood-related structures or substances, as in the botanical genus Xylosma (woody plants with hard wood) or chemical compounds like xylitol, a sugar alcohol derived from plant fibers used in pharmacology. This root underscores the emphasis on plant anatomy in taxonomy, appearing in terms like xylem, the woody vascular tissue in plants essential for water transport.[235] Zoo- (or zo-) originates from the Ancient Greek zôion (ζῷον), signifying "animal" or "living being." Widely used in biological systematic names, it refers to animal life or interactions, exemplified by zoology (the study of animals) and zoonosis, a disease transmissible from animals to humans, such as rabies. In taxonomy, it forms elements like zoo- in zoochory (seed dispersal by animals) or genera like Zoanthus (colonial animals). This prefix highlights animal-centric classifications in Linnaean systems.[236][237] Zyg- (or zygo-) stems from the Ancient Greek zygón (ζυγόν), meaning "yoke" or "union," implying joining or pairing. In biology, it describes cellular or genetic unions, most prominently in zygote, the single cell formed by the fusion of gametes during fertilization, a foundational concept in developmental biology. Taxonomic uses include zygodactyl (toes joined in pairs, as in certain birds) or Zygophyllum (a plant genus with yoke-like seed pods). This root is pivotal in reproductive and morphological nomenclature.[36][141]References
- https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Brachypoda
- https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/kinesi-
- https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/kyphosis
- https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tele-
- https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Terra
- https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/zoo-