nomen nudum

In taxonomy, a ''nomen nudum'' ('naked name'; plural ''nomina nuda'') is a designation which looks exactly like a scientific name of an organism, and may have originally been intended to be one, but it has not been published with an adequate description. This makes it a "bare" or "naked" name, which cannot be accepted as it stands. A largely equivalent but much less frequently used term is ''nomen tantum'' ("name only").

In zoology

According to the rules of zoological nomenclature a ''nomen nudum'' is unavailable; the glossary of the '' International Code of Zoological Nomenclature'' gives this definition:

And among the rules of that same Zoological Code:

In botany

According to the rules of botanical nomenclature a ''nomen nudum'' is not validly published. The glossary of the ''International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants'' gives this definition:
The requirements for the diagnosis or description are covered by articles 32, 36, 41, 42, and 44.

''Nomina nuda'' that were published before 1 January 1959 can be used to establish a cultivar name. For example, ''Veronica sutherlandii'', a ''nomen nudum'', has been used as the basis for '' Hebe pinguifolia'' 'Sutherlandii'. Article 21.6

See also

* Glossary of scientific naming
* '' Nomen dubium''

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nomen Nudum

Botanical nomenclature
Zoological nomenclature
Latin biological phrases