Definition

Proper noun: * A taxonomic classification: "Genus Asio" is the scientific name for a specific group of owls within the family Strigidae. This genus is characterized by medium-sized owls that often possess prominent ear tufts.

Usage

• "Genus Asio" is used exclusively in scientific, zoological, and ornithological contexts to classify and discuss a particular clade of owls.
• It is a formal, taxonomic term and is not used in everyday conversation.

Examples

• Scientific Classification:
  • The Long-eared Owl is a member of Genus Asio.
  • Researchers studied the morphological differences between species in Genus Asio and those in Genus Bubo.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is part of a structured naming system (binomial nomenclature). For example, the full classification for the Long-eared Owl is: Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Asio, Species: .

Variants and Related Words

• Asio (n): The abbreviated form of the genus name, used identically in scientific literature (e.g., " owls are widely distributed").
• Asiine (adj): A rarely used adjective meaning "of or pertaining to the genus ."

Different Meanings

This term has a single, specific meaning in biological taxonomy. It does not have other general definitions.

Synonyms

• Eared owls: A common name for owls of this genus, referring to their distinctive feather tufts that resemble ears.
  • Note: "Eared owls" is a descriptive common name, while "Genus Asio" is the precise scientific classification.

Related Terms (Not Idioms or Phrasal Verbs)

Given its highly specialized nature, "Genus Asio" is not used in idioms or phrasal verbs. Related terms are other taxonomic ranks. * Family Strigidae: The biological family to which Genus Asio belongs (the 'typical owl' family). * Species Asio otus: An example of a species within the genus (the Long-eared Owl).

Noun

1. a genus of European owls