Definition

Noun 1. A taxonomic category in biological classification: "Genus Castor" is the genus name for beavers, representing a group of closely related species within the family Castoridae. It is the type genus for this family.

Usage

• The North American beaver () and the Eurasian beaver () are the two extant species classified under Genus Castor.
• In the taxonomic hierarchy, Genus Castor falls under the family Castoridae and the order Rodentia.
• All members of Genus Castor are characterized by their large, flat tails and impressive dam-building behavior.

Advanced Usage

• "Castor" as the genus name: The word "Castor" alone, when used in a scientific or zoological context with proper italicization and capitalization, is understood to refer to the genus. For example: "The study focused on the habitat of ."

Variants and Related Words

• Castoridae (n): The biological family to which Genus Castor belongs; the beaver family.
• Castor (n): The singular form used as the genus name in binomial nomenclature (e.g., ).
• castoreum (n): A secretion from the castor sacs of beavers (genus Castor), historically used in perfumery and medicine.

Synonyms

• Beaver genus: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym.

Different Meanings

• Castor (common noun): This word has separate meanings unrelated to the biological genus.
  • A container with small holes for sprinkling sugar or pepper; a shaker.
  • A heavy woolen cloth.
  • (Also caster) A small wheel on a piece of furniture.
• Castor (proper noun): In mythology and astronomy, one of the twin stars (Castor and Pollux) in the constellation Gemini.

Noun

1. type genus of the Castoridae: beavers