# genera

/ˈdʒɛnɝə/ (US) · /dʒˈɛnəɹɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/genera
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the plural form of 'genus'. It refers to groups of living things, like animals or plants, that share similar features.

For teachers: the plural of 'genus'; refers to taxonomic categories ranking below a family and above a species. Used in biological classification to group structurally or phylogenetically related organisms.

## Examples

- The scientist studied several different genera of tropical birds.
- While the two plants look similar, they actually belong to entirely different genera within the same family.
- The fossil record reveals that many ancient genera became extinct during the late Cretaceous period, paving the way for the diversification of modern mammals.

## Pitfalls

- Not "many genuses" but "many genera" — The standard plural of 'genus' is 'genera', though 'genuses' is occasionally seen in non-scientific contexts.

## Usage notes

- The plural form of 'genus'; follows Latin pluralization rules rather than adding '-es'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.