similis

Similis is a Latin adjective meaning "like, similar, resembling." It was used in classical Latin to compare objects, traits, or persons, and it has influenced the development of scientific Latin terms. The word has given rise to English derivatives such as similar and simile, the latter also designating a figure of speech that draws an explicit comparison to show likeness.

In taxonomy, similis is a common specific epithet in both zoological and botanical names. When used in a binomial name, similis signals that the species bears resemblance to another taxon, such as a closely related species or a reference species. It conveys a qualitative judgment rather than a formal taxonomic rank by itself. Because Latin adjectives agree with the gender and number of the noun they modify, the epithet appears in the appropriate form within a given name.

In modern use, similis appears primarily in scientific naming but also appears in historical or descriptive texts that discuss likeness or resemblance. It is part of a broader set of Latin terms used in classification, such as similis’ linguistic relatives that denote similarity and likeness. See also simile, similar.