Definition

Noun: 1. A taxonomic genus within the family Soricidae: Genus Sorex is the type genus for the family Soricidae, which encompasses a large group of small, insectivorous mammals commonly known as shrews. Members of this genus are characterized by their pointed snouts, tiny eyes, and dense fur.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist classified the new shrew specimen within genus Sorex based on its dental structure.
  • A common species in genus Sorex is the Eurasian common shrew, Sorex araneus.
  • The study focused on the evolutionary history of genus Sorex.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic hierarchy: The term is used in scientific contexts to specify a precise level of biological classification. For example: "The family Soricidae is divided into several subfamilies, with genus Sorex being the most speciose in the subfamily Soricinae."

Variants and Related Words

• Sorex (n): The standardized, italicized form used in binomial nomenclature (e.g., , the cinereus shrew). This is the same as the genus name.
• Soricid (n): A member of the family Soricidae; a shrew.
• Shrew (n): The common name for small mammals in the family Soricidae, which includes .

Synonyms

• Shrew genus (informal, non-scientific)

Notes on Meaning

• This term has a single, precise meaning in scientific (zoological/taxonomic) English. It does not have idiomatic or figurative uses. It refers specifically to the taxonomic grouping, not to individual animals (which are called "shrews" or species of ).

Noun

1. type genus of the family Soricidae: shrews