genus

n. a group of animals or plants that are very similar to each other. It is the first part of a living thing's scientific name.

n. a taxonomic category ranking below a family and above a species and generally consisting of structurally or phylogenetically related species.

“The lion and the tiger both belong to the same genus, which is called Panthera.”

“In binomial nomenclature, the first name identifies the genus to which the species belongs, while the second name identifies the specific species within that group.”

Technical

n. a general class or kind of something that can be divided into smaller groups.

n. a class of objects or concepts divided into several subordinate species; a group with common attributes.

“The professor argued that this specific problem belongs to a broader genus of social issues.”

“The philosopher attempted to define the genus of the concept before moving on to the specific differences that distinguish its various species.”

Formal · Academic

n. a specific way of tuning or arranging notes in Ancient Greek music.

n. any of the three types of tuning or intonation used within an Ancient Greek tetrachord: diatonic, chromatic, or enharmonic.

“The musician studied how the chromatic genus was used in ancient songs.”

“The theorist explained that each genus of the tetrachord offered a distinct melodic character, though the outer notes remained fixed in pitch.”

Technical · Archaic