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 Members of the taxonomic genus Cucurbita, the half dozen or so original species have been hybridized and selected over the last 10,000 or so years to yield an impressive diversity of varieties. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 18 Oct. 2024 Traits such as a receding chin, strongly projecting snout, low and sloping forehead, and very small brain size placed Lucy in the genus Australopithecus. Donald C. Johanson, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 Despite their long snouts, the specimens could unambiguously be assigned to the genus Leucoraja due to the typical features of their claspers. Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Some time ago, the taxonomic genus previously known as Aster was split in two. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for genus 

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 31 Oct. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on genus

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