nomen nudum

noun

no·​men nu·​dum ˈnō-mən-ˈnü-dəm 

-ˈnyü-

plural nomina nuda ˈnä-mə-nə-ˈnü-də 

-ˈnyü-,

ˈnō-

: a proposed taxonomic name that is invalid because the group designated is not described or illustrated sufficiently for recognition, that has no nomenclatural status, and that consequently can be used as though never previously proposed

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, bare name

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above