taxon

American  

[tak-son] / ˈtæk sɒn /

noun

taxa plural

1. a taxonomic category, as a species or genus.

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taxon British  

/ ˈtæksɒn /

noun

1. biology any taxonomic group or rank

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taxon Scientific  

/ tăk′sŏn′ /

taxa plural

1. A taxonomic category or group, such as a phylum, order, family, genus, or species.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• taxa
  plural

Etymology

Origin of taxon

First recorded in 1945–50; from Greek táx(is) “arranged, put in order” + -on neuter noun ending; see taxis ¹, -on ¹

Example Sentences

"The discovery of one lazarus taxon... is an exceptional discovery," said Prof Tim Flannery, a prominent Australian scientist best known for his 2005 The Weather Makers book about climate change.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Such discoveries are known as "lazarus taxon", a term inspired by a biblical figure who was raised from the dead.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

"Our study shows that even for a highly adaptable taxon like octopuses, they may not be able to survive future ocean changes."

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2024

Finding Bisgaard taxon 45 was no easy task.

From National Geographic • Dec. 5, 2023

An abbreviated synonymy, in which are listed all combinations and emendations of names and significant contributions to our knowledge of the taxon, is given for each.

From A Taxonomic Revision of the Leptodactylid Frog Genus Syrrhophus Cope by Lynch, John D.