Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
trivial-name
Noun
/ˈtrɪv.i.əl neɪm/
Definition
A trivial name is a non-specialized or informal name used to refer to a particular thing or concept, often in contrast to a more formal or scientific term.
Examples
- The scientific name for the common house cat is Felis catus, while its trivial name is just ‘cat’.
- In chemistry, water is often referred to by its trivial name instead of its chemical formula, H2O.
- The trivial name ‘tiger’ refers to a specific family of big cats known as Panthera tigris.
Meaning
Trivial names are commonly used in everyday language and may lack the precision or detail of their formal counterparts. They simplify communication about complex subjects.
Synonyms
- Common name
- Informal name
- Layman’s term
