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In biology, a homonym is a name for a taxon that is identical in spelling to another such name, that belongs to a different taxon.. The rule in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature is that the first such name to be published is the senior homonym and is to be used (it is "valid"); any others are junior homonyms and must be replaced with new names.
The ICZN follows the Principle of Priority, in which the oldest available name for a taxon is generally the valid name. [4] Junior homonyms in the family and genus group – names of families and genera which have identical spelling, but refer to different taxa. Only one of two (or more) such homonyms can be valid; junior family-rank names must ...
The relationship between a set of homonyms is called homonymy, and the associated adjective is homonymous, homonymic, or in Latin, equivocal. Additionally, the adjective homonymous can be used wherever two items share the same name, [4] [5] independent of how closely they
homonym: names spelled identically, but, in some codes, names spelled similarly, as defined by the code senior homonym (zoology): the first legitimate use of the name which generally takes priority; junior homonym (zoology), later homonym (botany): a later and generally illegitimate use, though in some circumstances the later name is allowed to ...
Given that the correct name of a taxon depends on the taxonomic viewpoint used (resulting in a particular circumscription, position and rank) a name that is one taxonomist's synonym may be another taxonomist's correct name (and vice versa). Synonyms may arise whenever the same taxon is described and named more than once, independently.
The following is a list of tautonyms: zoological names of species consisting of two identical words (the generic name and the specific name have the same spelling). Such names are allowed in zoology, but not in botany, where the two parts of the name of a species must differ (though differences as small as one letter are permitted, as in cumin, Cuminum cyminum).
Therefore, a species may have more than one regularly used name; all but one of these names are "synonyms". [18] Furthermore, within zoology or botany, each species name applies to only one species. If a name is used more than once, it is called a homonym. Erithacus rubecula superbus, the Tenerife robin or petirrojo. Stability.
Consequently, a name that is a junior homonym of another name must not be used as a valid name. [4] It means that any one animal name, in one particular spelling, may be used only once (within its group). This is usually the first-published name; any later name with the same spelling (a homonym) is barred from being used.