# genus

/ˈdʒinəs/ (US) · /dʒˈɛnəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/genus
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. biological classification

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: The genus name is always capitalized and italicized in scientific writing.

### 2. a general type

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. Ancient Greek music

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Archaic

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The lion and the tiger belong to the same genus.
- Biologists recently moved the species to a different genus after analyzing its DNA more closely.
- While the two plants appear identical to the untrained eye, subtle differences in their reproductive structures place them in entirely separate genera within the same family.

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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.