Perspectives
Nature Reviews Genetics 4, 152-156 (February 2003) | doi:10.1038/nrg997
Opinion: Of eponyms, acronyms and ... orthonyms
Peter Turnpenny1 & Ron Smith1 About the authors
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Abstract
Medical genetic conditions are often known by a confusing array of synonyms, acronyms and eponyms that frequently distort historical accuracy. Expert working groups offer recommendations on preferred names, but no formal international nomenclature committee exists for this purpose. We argue that a preferred single term should be used to refer to any particular condition, and propose that this term be known as the 'orthonym'.
Author affiliations
- Peter Turnpenny and Ron Smith are at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK.
Correspondence to: Ron Smith1 Email: peter.turnpenny@rdehc-tr.swest.nhs.uk
