grossus

Grossus is a Latin adjective meaning thick, fat, coarse, or large. In scientific naming, it is commonly used as a descriptive epithet in species names to indicate a notable size or robust form. The masculine form grossus has feminine grossa and neuter grossum; these endings agree with the gender of the generic noun.

The capitalized form Grossus has appeared as a genus name in various historical classifications. Its current status is not uniform across taxonomic groups; in some lineages it has been treated as a valid genus, while in others it has been treated as a synonym or reclassified under a different genus. Because taxonomic opinions change with new research, the precise circumscription of a genus named Grossus varies by source and revision.

To determine current usage, researchers consult up-to-date taxonomic databases such as the World Register of Marine Species for mollusks, ITIS for animals, and Plants of the World Online for plants. These resources record accepted names, synonyms, and historical changes.

In addition to its use as a taxonomic label, grossus functions as a general Latin descriptor in many scientific names beyond genus-level classifications, illustrating how morphological features—such as a thick shell or stout habit—have influenced taxonomic descriptions across diverse groups.