noun
- plural of holotype: the single specimen designated as the type specimen of a species when it was first described
Usage: biology; taxonomy
Examples
- The museum’s collection includes several important holotypes of newly discovered species.
- Researchers must examine the holotypes to confirm the identity of similar specimens.
- The holotypes are stored in climate-controlled conditions to preserve them for future study.
- Scientists compared their findings with the original holotypes described in 1892.
- Access to holotypes is restricted to qualified researchers and taxonomists.
- The database contains digital images of holotypes from collections worldwide.