plural genera
ˈje-nə-rə 
also genuses
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
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
Most lineages within this family have traditionally been called rabbits, while the term hares is usually applied to just one genus, Lepus.
—
Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
The Lobelia genus — which includes over 400 species — is named after Matthias de l’Obel, who lived 400 years ago.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 May 2025
Try including more than one species within the same genus to extend the bloom season within that particular group of plants.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2025
Only careful lab work will identify the horse’s correct genus, species and age.
—Michael Ray Taylor, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for genus
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Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
The Lobelia genus — which includes over 400 species — is named after Matthias de l’Obel, who lived 400 years ago.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 24 May 2025
Try including more than one species within the same genus to extend the bloom season within that particular group of plants.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 8 May 2025
Only careful lab work will identify the horse’s correct genus, species and age.
—Michael Ray Taylor, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for genus
Cite this Entry
“Genus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genus. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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Medical Definition
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
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