In scientific nomenclature, synonymy refers to the existence of more than one name for one taxon. Usage and terminology are different for zoology and botany

Some examples, currently accepted name last:

• Acanthocalycium aurantiacum Rausch - 1968
  • Echinopsis aurantiaca (Rausch) Friedrich & G.D.Rowley - 1974
  • Lobivia thionantha var. aurantiaca (Rausch) Rausch - 1987, a popular small cactus

• Buxus chinensis Link 1836
  • Simmondsia californica Nutt.
  • Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K.Schneid., the Jojoba

• Pelecanus minor Gmelin 1789
  • Fregata minor (Gmelin, 1789), the Great Frigatebird

Scientific nomenclature