# holotype

/hˈɒlətˌaɪp/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/holotype
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.