genii

[ jee-nee-ahy ]

/ ˈdʒi niˌaɪ /

noun

a plural of genius.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

geniculate neuralgia, geniculately, geniculation, geniculum, genie, genii, genin, genion, genioplasty, genip, genipap

Definition for genii (2 of 2)

genius

[ jeen-yuh s ]

/ ˈdʒin yəs /

noun, plural gen·ius·es for 2, 3, 8, gen·i·i [jee-nee-ahy] /ˈdʒi niˌaɪ/ for 6, 7, 9, 10.

an exceptional natural capacity of intellect, especially as shown in creative and original work in science, art, music, etc.: the genius of Mozart.

a person having such capacity.

a person having an extraordinarily high intelligence rating on a psychological test, as an IQ above 140.

natural ability or capacity; strong inclination: a special genius for leadership.

distinctive character or spirit, as of a nation, period, or language.

the guardian spirit of a place, institution, etc.

either of two mutually opposed spirits, one good and the other evil, supposed to attend a person throughout life.

a person who strongly influences for good or ill the character, conduct, or destiny of a person, place, or thing: Rasputin, the evil genius of Russian politics.

Islamic Mythology. jinn; genie.

genie(def 3).

Origin of genius

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: tutelary deity or genius of a person; cf. genus

Can be confusedgenius genus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for genii

Genii protect individuals and places: springs, hills, cities, and army barracks all had a genius loci, a genius of the place.
What is a Genius?|Nick Romeo|November 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But the Romans simply transferred many of the functions of genii to angels.
What is a Genius?|Nick Romeo|November 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He seemed to see two genii seeking, the one to drag him towards heaven and the other towards the abyss.
The International Magazine, Volume 2, No. 3, February, 1851|Various
Genii know all that men know, and many other things besides, chevalier.
The Conspirators|Alexandre Dumas (Pere)

It was a scene of tranquillity and repose, if not indeed the abode of the genii and fairies.
The Brownie of Bodsbeck, and Other Tales, Vol. II (of 2)|James Hogg
The genii who —— expected to be present —— deaf to every call.
Practical Exercises in English|Huber Gray Buehler
You had command over the host of the Genii and could control the legion of the demons.
Told in the Coffee House|Cyrus Adler

British Dictionary definitions for genii (1 of 2)

genii

/ (ˈdʒiːnɪˌaɪ) /

noun

the plural of genius (def. 5), genius (def. 6)

British Dictionary definitions for genii (2 of 2)

genius

/ (ˈdʒiːnɪəs, -njəs) /

noun plural -uses or for senses 5, 6 genii (ˈdʒiːnɪˌaɪ)

a person with exceptional ability, esp of a highly original kind

such ability or capacityMozart's musical genius

the distinctive spirit or creative nature of a nation, era, language, etc

a person considered as exerting great influence of a certain sortan evil genius

Roman myth

the guiding spirit who attends a person from birth to death
the guardian spirit of a place, group of people, or institution

Arabian myth (usually plural) a demon; jinn

Word Origin for genius

C16: from Latin, from gignere to beget

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for genii (1 of 2)

genii

Latinate plural of genius.

Word Origin and History for genii (1 of 2)

genius

late 14c., "tutelary god (classical or pagan)," from Latin genius "guardian deity or spirit which watches over each person from birth; spirit, incarnation, wit, talent;" also "prophetic skill," originally "generative power," from root of gignere "beget, produce" (see kin), from PIE root *gen- "produce." Sense of "characteristic disposition" is from 1580s. Meaning "person of natural intelligence or talent" and that of "natural ability" are first recorded 1640s.