First Known Use: 1551
Dictionary
genus
noun ge·nus \ˈjē-nəs, ˈje-\
biology : a group of related animals or plants that includes several or many different species
plural gen·era \ˈje-nə-rə\ also ge·nus·es
Full Definition of GENUS
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 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
See genus defined for English-language learners
See genus defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GENUS
Latin gener-, genus birth, race, kind — more at kin
Related to GENUS
Other Biology Terms
GENUSES Defined for Kids
genus
noun ge·nus \ˈjē-nəs\
plural gen·era \ˈje-nə-rə\
Definition of GENUS for Kids
: 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
genus
noun ge·nus \ˈjē-nəs, ˈjen-əs\
plural gen·era \ˈjen-ə-rə\
Medical Definition of GENUS
: 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
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up genus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).