tigrinus

Tigrinus is a Latin adjective meaning tiger-like or of the tiger. In scientific naming, it is commonly used as an epithet to describe organisms whose appearance or coloration evokes a tiger, often referring to striped patterns or tawny tones. The form tigrinus is masculine, with tigrina and tigrinum used for feminine and neuter nouns, respectively, reflecting agreement in Latin grammar.

In taxonomy, tigrinus appears as a species epithet across a wide range of living groups, from plants to animals. Because it is a descriptive term rather than a marker of relatedness, organisms bearing the epithet tigrinus may be only superficially similar, sharing color or pattern rather than lineage with one another. The epithet is widely reused in binomial names, and its exact meaning depends on the context of the genus and the characteristics observed by the describer.

Historically, tigrinus has also been used as a Roman cognomen or nickname, implying ferocity or tiger-like traits. In literary and historical texts, individuals bearing this epithet are noted for certain celebrated or formidable characteristics, though such usage is unrelated to modern biological classification.

Outside formal nomenclature, tigrinus may appear in fiction, heraldry, or descriptive prose to convey a tiger-like image. Because it is a descriptive term rather than a proper name, its significance hinges on context, including the taxon, language, and cultural associations related to the tiger.