The name is composed of two word-forming elements: bi- (Latin prefix meaning 'two') and nomial (literally 'name'). In Medieval Latin, the related word binomium was used to signify one term in a binomial expression in … See more

Binomial nomenclature for species has the effect that when a species is moved from one genus to another, sometimes the specific name or epithet must be changed as well. This may happen because the specific name is already used in the new genus, or to agree … See more

A complete binomial name is always treated grammatically as if it were a phrase in the Latin language (hence the common use of the term "Latin name" for a binomial name). … See more

Prior to the adoption of the modern binomial system of naming species, a scientific name consisted of a generic name combined … See more

The value of the binomial nomenclature system derives primarily from its economy, its widespread use, and the uniqueness and stability of names that the Codes of Zoological and Botanical, Bacterial and Viral Nomenclature provide:
• Economy. … See more

Nomenclature (including binomial nomenclature) is not the same as classification, although the two are related. Classification is the … See more

From the early 19th century onwards it became ever more apparent that a body of rules was necessary to govern scientific names. In the course of time these became nomenclature codes. The International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) … See more