(biology) taxonomic group containing one or more species
"In biological classification, humans belong to the genus Homo, which also includes our extinct relatives like Neanderthals."
A category in the classification of organisms, ranking below family (Lat. familia) and above species.
"The domestic cat belongs to the genus Felis within its biological classification system."
In plain English: A genus is a group of closely related species that share common characteristics and are placed together in biological classification.
"Biologists use the genus to group animals that are closely related, such as placing lions and tigers in the same family tree branch alongside their ancestors."
Usage: Use genus to refer to a specific group within biological taxonomy that contains one or more related species. This term is distinct from family, which ranks higher in the hierarchy, so avoid using it when discussing broader taxonomic categories like order or class.
The word genus comes from the Latin genus, meaning "birth" or "kind." It is derived from the root gen-, which means "to beget" or "produce."