furiosus

Furiosus is a Latin masculine singular epithet used in the scientific names of various organisms. In binomial nomenclature, furiosus is derived from the Latin word for furious or fiery, and it is typically chosen to reflect a notable trait, a source of isolation, or simply as a conventional Latinized label. The epithet must agree in gender with the genus name of the organism.

One prominent example is Pyrococcus furiosus, a hyperthermophilic archaeon in the order Thermococcales. It was isolated from marine hydrothermal vent environments and grows best at temperatures near 100°C under anaerobic conditions. Pyrococcus furiosus is used as a model organism for studying thermostable enzymes and archaeal metabolism, and its genome has been sequenced, supporting research into enzyme applications and fundamental biology.

The epithet furiosus occurs in other taxa as well, including various bacteria and fungi, though it is most widely recognized from Pyrococcus furiosus. Its use reflects a traditional approach to Latinizing descriptive or commemorative notes in taxonomy rather than indicating a single, universal trait across all groups bearing the name. As with many taxonomic epithets, furiosus serves as a linguistic placeholder that can convey a sense of “fiery” origin, remarkable activity, or a notable discovery context in different lineages.