Linnean
|lin-nee-an|
/lɪˈniːən/
related to Linnaeus / his taxonomy
Etymology
'Linnean' originates from the Latinized surname 'Linnaeus' (the name used by Carl von Linné), ultimately from Swedish 'Linné' (a family/place name associated with the linden tree).
'Linnaeus' was used in Latin as 'Linnæus'; English formed adjectival and relational forms such as 'Linnaean' and the variant 'Linnean' in the 18th–19th centuries to describe things related to Linnaeus and his taxonomy.
Initially, it meant 'of or relating to Linnaeus (the man)', but over time it came to mean more broadly 'relating to Linnaeus's classification/taxonomic system' and to institutions (e.g., the Linnean Society).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who follows or supports the ideas or classification system of Linnaeus; also, a member or fellow of the Linnean Society (informal usage).
He was a noted Linnean in the 19th-century botanical community.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to Carl Linnaeus (Linné) or to the system of classification he developed (Linnean/Linnaean taxonomy).
The Linnean system influenced modern biological classification.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/28 05:43