genus

noun

ge·​nus ˈjē-nəs  ˈje- 

plural genera ˈje-nə-rə  also genuses

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 (see phylogenetic sense 2) 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

Synonyms

• bracket
• category
• class
• classification
• division
• family
• grade
• group
• kind
• league
• order
• rank(s)
• rubric
• set
• species
• tier
• type

Examples of genus in a Sentence

the crime novel, written from the criminal's perspective, is sometimes seen as a particular species of the detective story genus

Recent Examples on the Web

This behavior is similar to what is seen in ants who are infected by fungi from the genus Ophiocordyceps in the Brazilian rainforest. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Jan. 2025

Incidentally, oregano and marjoram are both from the same genus with marjoram being sweeter than oregano. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2025

Why High-Fiber Diets May Protect Against Infection A computational analysis of gut microbiome composition based on more than 12,000 stool samples from 45 countries highlighted how increased fiber intake feeds protective bacteria from the genus Faecalibacterium. —Don Rauf, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Jan. 2025

Some varieties in the sasanqua genus started to flower in October and should continue through early winter. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin gener-, genus birth, race, kind — more at kin

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing genus

• form genus
• type genus

Kids Definition

genus

noun

ge·​nus ˈjē-nəs 

plural genera ˈjen-ə-rə 

: a category of classification in biology that ranks between the family and the species, contains related species, and is named by a capitalized noun formed in Latin

Medical Definition

genus

noun

ge·​nus ˈjē-nəs  ˈjen-əs 

plural genera ˈjen-ə-rə 

: 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