commemorativus

Commemorativus is a Latin adjective meaning “in memory of” or “commemorative.” In scholarly usage, it is employed to form epithets within taxonomic names or inscriptions that honor a person, place, event, or institution related to a commemoration. While it is not a commonly fixed taxonomic name in itself, the epithet commemorativus may appear in combination with a genus name when Latin grammatical agreement allows.

Etymology and forms: The term derives from the Latin verb commemorare, “to remember.” As a second-declension adjective, it has gendered forms: commemorativus (masculine), commemorativa (feminine), and commemorativum (neuter). In a binomial or trinomial scientific name, the ending must agree with the generic gender, so the form chosen depends on the genus.

Taxonomic usage: In zoological and botanical nomenclature, epithets are often Latin adjectives that describe a characteristic or honor someone or something. Commemorativus, commemorativa, or commemorativum can function as such an epithet, typically indicating that the taxon is named to commemorate a person, place, or event. Its use is not standardized as a common convention, but it may appear in particular cases, often as a commemorative dedication rather than as a descriptive trait.

Other uses: Beyond taxonomy, commemorativus can appear in Latin inscriptions, academic dedications, or literary contexts where objects or works are described as intended to memorialize. It may also be encountered in fictional or constructed-language settings.

See also: Latin nomenclature, epithet, commemorative, taxonomic naming.