Word
holotype
Phoneticsholo·type
UK/hˈɒlətˌaɪp/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the single physical example of a species that scientists use to define what that species looks like. It is the official 'standard' for that name.
n. the single physical specimen designated as the name-bearing type of a species. It serves as the permanent reference point for the taxonomic description of that organism.
Examples
“The museum houses the holotype of the newly discovered beetle.”
“When the researchers published their paper, they designated a specific fossil as the holotype to ensure future scientists could identify the species correctly.”
“In the event of a taxonomic dispute, the holotype provides the definitive morphological standard against which all other specimens must be compared to determine their classification.”
Examples
simple
“The museum houses the holotype of the newly discovered beetle.”
contextual
“When the researchers published their paper, they designated a specific fossil as the holotype to ensure future scientists could identify the species correctly.”
complex
“In the event of a taxonomic dispute, the holotype provides the definitive morphological standard against which all other specimens must be compared to determine their classification.”
Real-World Examples
“When they examined the holotype of Montsecosuchus depereti under ultraviolet light, they noticed structures that appeared to be remnants of soft tissue.” Etymology
From holo- + -type.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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