taxon

American  

[tak-son] / ˈtæk sɒn /

noun

plural

taxa

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

---

taxon British  

/ ˈtæksɒn /

noun

1. biology any taxonomic group or rank

---

taxon Scientific  

/ tăk′sŏn′ /

plural

taxa

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

---

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

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

It's possible environmental stressors, such as heat and lack of food and water, may have led Bisgaard taxon 45 to proliferate and cause the septicemia in the Zimbabwe elephants, says Foggin.

From National Geographic • Dec. 5, 2023

Crucially they found a potential cause - a bacterium called Bisgaard taxon 45 - in six of the animals.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 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.