phylum

phy·lum

noun \ˈfī-ləm\

plural phy·la\-lə\

Definition of PHYLUM

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

Origin of PHYLUM

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

First Known Use: 1876

Rhymes with PHYLUM

hilum, whilom, xylem