nomen nudum

noun

: a proposed taxonomic name that is invalid because the group designated is not described or illustrated sufficiently for recognition, that has no nomenclatural status, and that consequently can be used as though never previously proposed

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, bare name

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nomen nudum was in 1881

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nomen nudum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nomen%20nudum. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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