type genus

noun

, Biology.

1. the genus that is formally held to be typical of the family or other higher group to which it belongs.

type genus

/ tīp /

1. The taxonomic genus that is designated as representative of the family to which it belongs. The type genus is usually the first genus in the family to be named, or the genus that is considered most important. Families are named after type genera. For example, the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus is the type genus for the family Tyrannosauridae.

Word History and Origins

Origin of type genus¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

In many instances the English names borne by orders in the Eastern States have no significance with us, as the type genus is not found in our flora.

From Project Gutenberg

The larval forms of the type genus Cerianthus float freely in the sea, and were once considered to belong to a separate genus, Arachnactis.

From Project Gutenberg