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 102: a group of languages related more remotely than those of a family or stock