familiaris

Familiaris is a Latin adjective meaning “of the household” or “domestic.” In biological nomenclature it is used as an epithet in binomial names to indicate domesticity or close association with humans.

The best-known use is Canis lupus familiaris, the domestic dog. In current taxonomic treatment this is commonly considered the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris of the gray wolf (Canis lupus); some older or alternative classifications treat the domestic dog as Canis familiaris, a distinct species.

The epithet also has appeared in other names in historical zoology for domesticated or human-associated organisms, though modern practice often prefers more precise classifications; the term continues to convey domestication or household association in names where used.

Origin and meaning: Latin familia means “family” and familiaris derives from the same root. Beyond taxonomy, familiaris appears in Latin texts to refer to a household servant or confidant, and it has influenced English words such as “familiar.”