lectotype

[ lek-tuh-tahyp ]

/ ˈlɛk təˌtaɪp /

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noun Biology.

a specimen designated as the type of a species or subspecies when no holotype was designated by the original author of the name.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of lectotype

First recorded in 1905–10; from Greek lek(tós) “chosen” + type; see origin at logos, lection

lec·to·typ·ic

[lek-tuh-tip-ik], /ˌlɛk təˈtɪp ɪk/, adjective

Stejneger's reference to MCZ 1910 as the type is considered unintentional and an inadequate designation of a lectotype.
North American Recent Soft-shelled Turtles (Family Trionychidae)|Robert G. Webb
Lectotype: a co-type chosen, subsequently to the original description, to take the place which in other cases a holotype occupies.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith
I incline to the view that a specimen so designated would at most be only a lectotype, unless it were a cotype.
American Weasels|E. Raymond Hall