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phylum

noun phy·lum \ ˈfī-ləm \
|Updated on: 26 May 2018

Definition of phylum

plural phyla play \ˈfī-lə\
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

See phylum defined for English-language learners

See phylum defined for kids

Recent Examples of phylum from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phylum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of phylum

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

PHYLUM Defined for English Language Learners

phylum

noun

Definition of phylum for English Language Learners

  • biology : a large group of related animals or plants

PHYLUM Defined for Kids

phylum

noun phy·lum \ ˈfī-ləm \

Definition of phylum for Students

plural phyla \-lə\
: a group of related living things (as animals or plants) that ranks above the class and below the kingdom in scientific classification

Medical Dictionary

phylum

noun phy·lum \ ˈfī-ləm \

medical Definition of phylum

plural phyla play \-lə\
: a major group of animals or in some classifications plants sharing one or more fundamental characteristics that set them apart from all other animals and plants and forming a primary category of the animal or plant kingdom
  • the phylum Arthropoda

Learn More about phylum

  1. See words that rhyme with phylum Spanish Central: Translation of phylum Nglish: Translation of phylum for Spanish speakers

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