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
This plant is often confused with heather, which is in the same plant family (Ericaceae) but heather is in the genus Calluna and tolerates more cold.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024
While the exact species isn’t clear (the genus includes seven types), they are all considered threatened or critically endangered.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Jan. 2025
The genus includes 200 or so species of trees and shrubs found mostly in Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula.
—Franz Lidz, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024
For example, if a butterfly like Papilio glaucus were transferred to a genus with a feminine name, the epithet glaucus (masculine form) would be adjusted to glauca to agree in gender with the new genus.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for genus 
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024
While the exact species isn’t clear (the genus includes seven types), they are all considered threatened or critically endangered.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Jan. 2025
The genus includes 200 or so species of trees and shrubs found mostly in Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula.
—Franz Lidz, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024
For example, if a butterfly like Papilio glaucus were transferred to a genus with a feminine name, the epithet glaucus (masculine form) would be adjusted to glauca to agree in gender with the new genus.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for genus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for genus
Noun
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Looking beyond Swift and Beyonce, this category is absolutely loaded with great storylines and possible winners.—
Jim Harrington,
The Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2025
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Hits were acknowledged but never ruled the category — last year, Wet Leg won for a remix of a Depeche Mode song.—
Justin Curto,
Vulture,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The kind Aaliyah would’ve worn over a crop top and low-rise jeans.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
31 Jan. 2025
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Zhou was the epitome of a kind, loving and compassionate gentleman, in addition to his academic drive, Barker Little wrote.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The most likely culprit is a species of crocodilian, according to the study, because of the conical shape of their teeth and their body size.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
23 Jan. 2025
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Vibrio vulnificus is a species of pathogenic bacteria that lives in the environment, often in association with copepods, which are tiny free-swimming crustaceans.—
John Drake,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near genus
Cite this Entry
“Genus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/genus. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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