Definitions

1. noun

A taxon or taxonomic rank that is considered to be the most closely related to a species or higher taxon, and is often used as a type or reference specimen.

“The homeotype of the species is stored in the natural history museum.”

2. noun

A species or taxon that is considered to be closely related to another species or taxon, often used as a reference in taxonomic classification.

“The researchers used the homeotype of the species to compare its characteristics with those of other similar species.”