Definition of genus
genera
play \ˈje-nə-rə\ alsogenuses
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 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
Explore Merriam-Webster
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 of genus from the Web
-
So many new species and genera have been found so quickly that the relationships of the archaeocetes to each other are a bit fuzzy, but the Archaeoceti undoubtedly contains the ancestors of the other major group of whales, the Neoceti.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'genus'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of genus
Latin gener-, genus birth, race, kind — more at kin
First Known Use: 1551
Other Biology Terms
GENUS Defined for English Language Learners
genus
playDefinition of genus for English Language Learners
-
biology : a group of related animals or plants that includes several or many different species
GENUS Defined for Kids
genus
playDefinition of genus for Students
genera
\ˈje-nə-rə\: a group of related living things (as plants or animals) that ranks below the family in scientific classification and is made up of one or more species
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of genus
genera
\ˈjen-ə-rə\play: 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
Learn More about genus
-
See words that rhyme with genus Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for genus Spanish Central: Translation of genus Nglish: Translation of genus for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of genus for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about genus
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up genus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!