gens
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.gens
noun \ˈjenz, ˈgen(t)s\ plural gen·tes \ˈjen-ˌtēz, ˈgen-ˌtās\
Definition of GENS
1
: a Roman clan embracing the families of the same stock in the male line with the members having a common name and worshipping a common ancestor
2
: clan; especially : a patrilineal clan
3
: a distinguishable group of related organisms
Origin of GENS
Latin gent-, gens — more at gentle
First Known Use: 1846
gens
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Ancient Roman clan whose members were all descended from a common male ancestor. The descendants revered the original male ancestor and identified their relationship by using his name as their second name (e.g., Gaius Valerius Catullus). Marriage between members of a gens was commonly discouraged.
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