haereticus

Haereticus is a Latin adjective meaning "heretical" or "of heresy." It derives from haerēsis, the term for heresy, and has historically been used in Latin writings to label beliefs, writings, or individuals regarded as deviating from accepted orthodoxy. In medieval and early modern ecclesiastical contexts, haereticus appeared in condemnations and inquisitorial records to describe views deemed contrary to the official church doctrine.

In scientific and scholarly use, Haereticus is not a widely recognized name for a current, valid taxon. If encountered as a proposed genus or species epithet in historical literature, it is typically an obsolete, invalid, or descriptive label rather than a formally established taxonomic name. Modern taxonomy follows codes that require published description, type designation, and acceptance by the taxonomic community, which would supersede such earlier usages.

Linguistically, haereticus remains a standard Latin term found in dictionaries and Latin glossaries, sometimes appearing in translations of passages about heresy or religious controversy. Its usage generally signals deviations from established doctrine rather than a biological or organizational classification.

See also: Heresy, Heretic, Latin terms in taxonomy, Taxonomic nomenclature.