clade

[ kleyd ]

noun

, Biology.

1. a taxonomic group of organisms classified together on the basis of homologous features traced to a common ancestor.

clade

/ kleɪd /

noun

1. biology a group of organisms considered as having evolved from a common ancestor

clade

/ klād /

1. A grouping of organisms made on the basis of their presumed evolutionary history, rather than purely on shared features. Clades consist of a common ancestor and all its descendants. The class Aves (birds) is a clade, but the class Reptilia (reptiles) is not, since it does not include birds, which are descended from the dinosaurs, a kind of reptile. Many modern taxonomists prefer to use clades in classification, and not all clades correspond to traditional groups like classes, orders, and phyla.
2. Compare grade

Word History and Origins

Origin of clade¹

First recorded in 1957, clade is from the Greek word kládos branch

Word History and Origins

Origin of clade¹

C20: from Greek klados branch, shoot

Example Sentences

She notes that there are two different variants — or clades — of monkeypox.

From Science News For Students

Many specialist corals can’t bring clade D into their tissues.

From Nautilus

One answer, says Tye Pettay, a research scientist at the University of Delaware, is that corals harboring this clade may grow more slowly than those with other clades.

From Nautilus

Haec autem plaga Hiberniam quoque insulam pari clade premebat.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1825, he formed a partnership with Mr. Edmund Clade, from Buffalo, and retired from active participation in business.

From Project Gutenberg