Nominoida

Nominoida is a term that appears in various online and creative contexts but has no single, widely accepted scientific definition. It is not currently recognized as a formal taxonomic rank in zoological or botanical nomenclature, and there is no consensus on its scope or delimitations.

Etymology is uncertain; it likely draws on the Latin plural nomina or the verb nom​inare meaning to name, combined with the -oida suffix found in some taxonomic group names to imply likeness. As such, Nominoida is often described as "the group of named entities" in informal discussions, rather than a defined clade.

Usage varies. In speculative fiction, fan-made glossaries, and some online discourse, Nominoida may be presented as a provisional or fictional grouping of organisms that are distinguished by being named in literature or by their naming conventions rather than shared derived traits. In linguistic or conceptual discussions, it can appear as a metaphor for classifications based on naming rather than phenotypic similarity.

Status and validation: In formal taxonomy, names must be published with a clear diagnosis, a type genus, and adherence to nomenclatural codes (ICZN, for Animals; ICN). Without such formal publication, Nominoida remains informal or fictional. If the term is encountered in scholarly work, it should be treated as a nonstandard or tentative usage until a proper taxonomic treatment is provided.

See also: Nomenclature, Taxonomy, Nomina, -oida suffix.