infantum

Infantum is a Latin adjective meaning “of an infant” or “infantile.” It derives from infans, the Latin noun for infant, and appears in the neuter singular form used to modify neuter nouns in Latin grammar.

In taxonomy, infantum is encountered as a species epithet in zoological, botanical, and microbiological names. When used in such epithets, it signals a relation to infants or to juvenile characteristics, though the exact intended sense depends on the genus and the author. Because Latin adjectives agree with the gender of the genus, infantum is typically found with neuter-named genera.

Beyond taxonomic usage, infantum can appear in classical and medical Latin phrases, reflecting its linguistic role rather than constituting a standalone scientific term. Its appearance in modern scientific names is descriptive rather than nominal, and it does not designate a single, unified concept or entity.

If a reader encounters infantum in a scientific name, it is best understood as a descriptive epithet rather than a proper name. Its precise meaning is determined by the context, the genus involved, and the authors who coined the epithet.

See also: Infancy; Infant.