Main Entry: phy·lum

Pronunciation: \ˈfī-ləm\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural phy·la \-lə\

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek phylon tribe, race — more at phyl-

Date: 1876

1 a : a direct line of descent within a group b : a group that constitutes or has the unity of a phylum; specifically : a primary category in biological taxonomy especially of animals that ranks above the class and below the kingdom — compare division 10
2 : a group of languages related more remotely than those of a family or stock