type genus

American  

noun

Biology.

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

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type genus Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of type genus

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

San′talin, the colouring matter of red sandalwood; San′talum, the type genus of the sandalwood family.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

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 Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 2 "Anjar" to "Apollo" by Various

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 The Wild Flowers of California: Their Names, Haunts, and Habits by Parsons, Mary Elizabeth