leeuwenhoeki

Leeuwenhoeki is a Latinized patronym used in the scientific names of various organisms to honor Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632–1723), the Dutch natural philosopher who pioneered microbiology and improved the use of the microscope. The epithet follows common conventions for forming species names from surnames and may appear in slightly different spellings depending on the genus and the taxonomic tradition.

In taxonomy, epithets such as leeuwenhoeki are intended to acknowledge a person’s contributions rather than indicate any biological trait. The exact form can vary; leeuwenhoeki and leeuwenhoekii are among the spellings that have appeared in published names. The choice of ending is influenced by Latin grammar and the gender of the genus name, as well as the conventions of the taxonomic code governing the group.

The epithet has been used across a range of taxa, particularly in microbiology, where new isolates and species are sometimes named to honor historical figures in science. While many instances exist, the use of the name is primarily commemorative rather than descriptive of the organism's characteristics.

See also: Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.