ap·pel·la·tive
(ə-pĕl′ə-tĭv)adj.1. Of or relating to the assignment of names.
2. Grammar Of or relating to a common noun.
n. A name or descriptive epithet.
[Middle English, common (noun), from Old French appelatif, from Late Latin appelātīvus, from Latin appellātus, past participle of appellāre, to call upon, entreat; see appeal.]
ap·pel′la·tive·ly adv.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.