1. a specimen selected from the original material to serve as the type specimen when the original type is lost or was never designated
Usage: biology; taxonomy

Examples

• The botanist designated a lectotype from the herbarium specimens collected during the original expedition.
• When the holotype was destroyed in the fire, researchers had to select a lectotype from the remaining syntypes.
• The museum curator carefully chose a lectotype that best represented the species’ diagnostic features.
• Publication of the new lectotype designation required detailed justification and comparison with other specimens.
• The lectotype serves as the definitive reference point for identifying members of this species.
• Taxonomists must follow strict rules when selecting a lectotype from historical collections.