absurdus

Absurdus is a Latin adjective meaning "absurd" or "ridiculous." In classical Latin, it described statements or actions that appeared illogical, unreasonable, or contrary to established norms. The form is masculine; feminine is absurda and neuter absurdum.

The English word absurd derives from Latin absurdus via Old French absurde, and entered English during the medieval period with the sense of something irrational or preposterous.

In scientific nomenclature, absurdus is used as a species epithet in various genera across plants, animals, and fungi. The epithet is chosen by the describing author and may indicate an unusual feature, a perceived anomaly, an unexpected relationship, or simply a whim.

Because taxonomic names often reflect historical judgments, the meaning attached to absurdus can be idiosyncratic and not a fixed description of the organism.

Beyond taxonomy, absurdus is occasionally encountered in scholarly discussions of rhetoric or philosophy when Latin terms are cited to discuss the concept of the absurd in classical sources. However, it is not a technical term with a single, standardized meaning outside of those contexts.

See also: Absurd, Absurdism, Taxonomic nomenclature.