Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Biology) A group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups; a variety or strain. This term is used in biological taxonomy to denote a minor rank below subspecies, often indicating slight morphological or genetic variations.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The botanist identified a new var. of orchid in the rainforest.
  • This bacterial var. exhibits a slight difference in its cell wall structure.

Advanced Usage

• In Scientific Nomenclature: The abbreviation "var." is used formally in the Latin binomial name of an organism to denote the taxonomic rank of "variety." It is placed after the species name and before the varietal epithet.
  • The plant was classified as Rosa gallica var. officinalis.

Variants and Related Words

• Variety (n.): The full, unabbreviated form of the term, carrying the same meaning in biological classification.
  • He studied several varieties of wheat.
• Strain (n.): A related term often used in microbiology and virology to denote a genetic variant or subtype within a species.
  • A more virulent strain of the virus was discovered.

Synonyms

• Subspecies: A taxonomic rank sometimes used interchangeably, though typically implying a more significant distinction than a variety.
• Cultivar: A plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding.

Notes on Usage

• Abbreviation: "var." is an abbreviation for "variety." In formal biological writing, it is always written in lowercase and italicized (or underlined in handwritten text) when part of a scientific name.
• Context: This term is highly specialized and is primarily used in scientific, academic, or horticultural contexts. It is not common in everyday general English.

Noun

1. (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups
   • a new strain of microorganisms