type genus

nounBiology.

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

Origin of type genus

First recorded in 1830–40

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

San′talin, the colouring matter of red sandalwood; San′talum, the type genus of the sandalwood family.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) | Various
The type-genus Cladonema (fig. 20) is a common British form.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 2 | Various
The type genus Hippotragus has its horns placed above the orbits; they are not twisted, but curved backwards.
The Cambridge Natural History, Vol X., Mammalia | Frank Evers Beddard
The type genus Xiphodon has selenodont molars and elongated, slender, cutting premolars.
The Cambridge Natural History, Vol X., Mammalia | Frank Evers Beddard

type genus

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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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