Main Entry:

ge·nius

Pronunciation:

\ˈjēn-yəs, ˈjē-nē-əs\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural ge·nius·es or ge·nii \-nē-ˌī\

Etymology:

Latin, tutelary spirit, natural inclinations, from gignere to beget

Date:

1513

1 aplural genii : an attendant spirit of a person or place bplural usually genii : a person who influences another for good or bad2: a strong leaning or inclination : penchant3 a: a peculiar, distinctive, or identifying character or spirit b: the associations and traditions of a place c: a personification or embodiment especially of a quality or condition4plural usually genii : spirit, jinni5plural usually geniuses a: a single strongly marked capacity or aptitude <had a genius for getting along with boys — Mary Ross> b: extraordinary intellectual power especially as manifested in creative activity c: a person endowed with transcendent mental superiority ; especially : a person with a very high IQ

synonyms see gift