Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic genus of freshwater fish: "genus Notropis" refers to a specific genus within the family Cyprinidae (the minnow or carp family). This genus is commonly known for fish called shiners, which are typically small, silvery, and found in North American waters.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist studied several species within the genus Notropis.
  • The creek is populated by minnows belonging to genus Notropis.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific classification: The term is used in binomial nomenclature to categorize and name species. For example, is the Emerald Shiner.
  • The specimen was identified as a member of genus Notropis based on its pharyngeal teeth.

Variants and Related Words

• Notropis (n): The standard form of the genus name, often used without the word "genus" in technical contexts.
  • Notropis is one of the most species-rich genera of North American freshwater fishes.
• Shiner (n): A common name for many fish in this genus.
  • We caught a few common shiners (Notropis cornutus) today.

Synonyms

• Shiners (n): A common name for fish of this genus.
• Minnows (n): A broader term for small freshwater fish, often inclusive of species.

Related Phrases

• Notropis species: Refers to any individual species within the genus.
  • This guidebook lists all known Notropis species in the state.

Noun

1. shiners