holotype

noun

ho·​lo·​type ˈhō-lə-ˌtīp How to pronounce holotype (audio) ˈhä- How to pronounce holotype (audio)
1
: the single specimen designated by an author as the type of a species or lesser taxon at the time of establishing the group
2
: the type of a species or lesser taxon designated at a date later than that of establishing a group or by a person other than the author of the taxon
holotypic
ˌhō-lə-ˈti-pik How to pronounce holotype (audio)
ˌhä-
adjective

Examples of holotype in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The fish is small with the holotype, or primary specimen, measuring just 2.4 inches long, and other fish ranging in size from 1.6 inches to 2.7 inches long, according to the study. — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025 The holotype, or primary specimen used to describe the species, was a female and had 32 chaetigers, or the fleshy appendages lining the center structure of the body, according to the study. — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of holotype was in 1897

Rhymes for holotype

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Browse Nearby Words

Holotrichida
holotype
holozoic
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Cite this Entry

“Holotype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holotype. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

holotype

noun
ho·​lo·​type ˈhō-lə-ˌtīp How to pronounce holotype (audio) ˈhäl-ə- How to pronounce holotype (audio)
1
: the single specimen designated by an author as the type of a species or lesser taxon at the time of establishing the group
2
: the type of a species or lesser taxon designated at a date later than that of establishing a group or by another person than the author of the taxon

More from Merriam-Webster on holotype

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about holotype

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