as in type
one of the units into which a whole is divided on the basis of a common characteristic
the crime novel, written from the criminal's perspective, is sometimes seen as a particular species of the detective story genus
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of genus
The genus Coffea, to which arabica, robusta and stenophylla all belong, has a wealth of diverse species.
—
Marta Zaraska, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025
As grasslands expanded and forests receded, the open landscapes favored pursuit predators like early members of the genus Canis.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The 12 Best Places to Buy Seeds Online in 2025
01 of 11
Coreopsis
Also called tickseed (because of the shape of its seeds), this genus includes perennials, tender perennials, and annuals that show off a range of hues, including yellow, orange, pink, and red.
—Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
First, the insect spins a silk case, like many other species in its genus, Hyposmocoma.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genus
Marta Zaraska, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025
As grasslands expanded and forests receded, the open landscapes favored pursuit predators like early members of the genus Canis.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The 12 Best Places to Buy Seeds Online in 2025
01 of 11
Coreopsis
Also called tickseed (because of the shape of its seeds), this genus includes perennials, tender perennials, and annuals that show off a range of hues, including yellow, orange, pink, and red.
—Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
First, the insect spins a silk case, like many other species in its genus, Hyposmocoma.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for genus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genus
Noun
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People in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell their health care provider.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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The only categories of crime brought to the district attorney’s office that have fallen are felony burglary, felony motor vehicle theft, and felony narcotics, which decreased by 13%, 10%, and 2%, respectively.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
16 May 2025
Noun
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While a return to European competition of any kind would be something to heartily celebrate, playing in the third-tier Conference League’s qualifying rounds would somehow still feel like scant reward for a season that promised even more for so long.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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The new program at La Jolla High is believed to be the first of its kind in SDUSD’s La Jolla Cluster of schools.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2025
Noun
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Flaco was an adult male Eurasian Eagle-Owl, one of the largest owl species in the world (hence, the species’ name) that is widespread across Europe and Asia.—
GrrlScientist,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
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That family includes the beetle species whose larvae, called mealworms, are commonly sold as feed for pet reptiles and birds.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Genus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genus. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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