monodentata

Monodentata is a Latin-derived epithet used in biological nomenclature to describe a feature characterized by having a single tooth or tooth-like projection. It is employed across various taxa as an adjective in species names, rather than as the name of a single, unified taxon. Because it is an epithet, monodentata appears within binomial or trinomial names and may recur in unrelated genera.

Etymology and usage. The term combines mono- meaning one and dentata (toothed). In practice, monodentata signals a morphological trait noted in the original description, typically referring to a single dentoid projection on a body part such as a shell, leaf margin, rostrum, or other structures. The descriptor reflects a traditional approach to taxonomy that emphasizes observable characteristics.

Nomenclatural notes. Latin adjectives used as epithets must agree in gender with the genus name, so monodentata is commonly the feminine form; masculine would be monodentatus and neuter monodentatum, depending on the genus. As with other descriptive epithets, the same word may appear in multiple, unrelated scientific names across different groups.

See also. monodentate; dentate; taxonomic epithet.