1. specimens chosen from the original material to serve as the type specimen when the holotype is lost or was never designated
Usage: biology; taxonomy

Examples

• The researchers designated lectotypes for several species that lacked proper type specimens.
• When the original holotype was destroyed, scientists selected lectotypes from the remaining collection.
• The museum curator identified suitable lectotypes among the historical specimens.
• Taxonomists must follow strict rules when choosing lectotypes for species classification.
• The botanical journal published descriptions of the newly designated lectotypes.
• Several lectotypes were selected to replace the missing type specimens from the 1800s.