Dictionary

nomen dubium

noun nomen du·bi·um \-ˈdü-bē-əm, -ˈdyü-\
plural nomina du·bia \-bē-ə\

Definition of NOMEN DUBIUM

:  a taxonomic name that cannot be assigned with certainty to any taxonomic group because the description is insufficient for identification and the original specimens no longer exist
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Origin of NOMEN DUBIUM

New Latin, doubtful name
First Known Use: 1937

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