genus

noun

ge·​nus ˈjē-nəs How to pronounce genus (audio) ˈje- How to pronounce genus (audio)
plural genera ˈje-nə-rə How to pronounce genus (audio) also genuses
1
: a class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common characteristic
specifically : a category of biological classification ranking between the family and the species, comprising structurally or phylogenetically (see phylogenetic sense 2) related species or an isolated species exhibiting unusual differentiation, and being designated by a Latin or latinized capitalized singular noun
2
: a class of objects divided into several subordinate species

Examples of genus in a Sentence

the crime novel, written from the criminal's perspective, is sometimes seen as a particular species of the detective story genus
Recent Examples on the Web The researchers estimated that in the neotropical genus Chiton, for example, the eyespots evolved within just 7 million years — a blink of an eye in evolutionary time. Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 They can be distinguished from other members of the genus by a small number of bristles on their forewings in addition to their slender legs, researchers said. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2024 Anubias Anubias is a genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants that are widely considered to be some of the best hardy and low-maintenance plants for freshwater aquascaping. Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2024 That means the genus, which contains hundreds of species, can pull an ecological 180, switching from decomposer to parasite or mutualist. Jude Coleman, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2024 Dog tooth violet is not a violet but a genus in the lily family, named after the toothlike shape of its white underground bulb. Nadia Hassani, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2024 In less than two decades, the populations of three common vulture species, from the genus Gyps, declined by ninety-seven to ninety-nine per cent. Meera Subramanian, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2024 The pathogens that cause rabies belong to a genus of viruses called Lyssavirus that target warm-blooded vertebrates. Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024 Giving up eggs The snails in question are in a genus called Littorina, which are largely distributed around the North Atlantic. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 6 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'genus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin gener-, genus birth, race, kind — more at kin

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of genus was in 1551

Dictionary Entries Near genus

Cite this Entry

“Genus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genus. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

genus

noun
ge·​nus ˈjē-nəs How to pronounce genus (audio)
plural genera ˈjen-ə-rə How to pronounce genus (audio)
: a category of classification in biology that ranks between the family and the species, contains related species, and is named by a capitalized noun formed in Latin

Medical Definition

genus

noun
plural genera ˈjen-ə-rə How to pronounce genus (audio)
: a class, kind, or group marked by common characteristics or by one common characteristic
specifically : a category of biological classification ranking between the family and the species, comprising structurally or phylogenetically related species or an isolated species exhibiting unusual differentiation, and designated by a Latin or latinized capitalized singular noun

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