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genus


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Definition of genus

noun (plural genera /ˈdʒɛn(ə)rə/)

Biology
  • a principal taxonomic category that ranks above species and below family, and is denoted by a capitalized Latin name, e.g. Leo.
  • (in philosophical and general use) a class of things which have common characteristics and which can be divided into subordinate kinds.

Origin:

mid 16th century: from Latin, 'birth, race, stock'

genus in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of genus in the US English dictionary