Definition of phylum
1a
: 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 sense 10
2
: a group of languages related more remotely than those of a family or stock
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for phylum
The first known use of phylum was in 1868
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