Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic category in biological classification: "genus Circus" is a specific genus within the scientific classification of birds. It is a group of closely related species.
   • A genus comprising birds of prey known as harriers: This genus specifically includes the harriers, which are slender, long-winged, long-tailed hawks known for hunting over open ground.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Northern Harrier belongs to the genus Circus. (This sentence identifies the taxonomic group of a specific bird.)
  • Ornithologists study the behavior of species within the genus Circus. (This sentence uses the term in a scientific context discussing the group as a whole.)

Advanced Usage

• In binomial nomenclature: The genus name is always capitalized and italicized when used in a formal scientific context. The full species name includes the genus, e.g., (the Hen Harrier/Northern Harrier).
  • The specimen was identified as Circus aeruginosus. (This demonstrates the formal naming convention.)

Variants and Related Words

• Circus (n): When italicized and capitalized, this is the standard written form of the genus name.
• Harrier (n): The common name for the birds that constitute this genus.
• Genus (n): The broader taxonomic rank to which belongs.

Synonyms

• Taxonomic genus (for harriers): This is a more descriptive synonym emphasizing its classification role.
• Harrier genus: A common, descriptive synonym used in ornithology.

Related Phrases

• Genus Circus species: A phrase used to refer collectively to all species within this genus.
  • Genus Circus species are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Related Terminology

• Bird of prey: The broader category to which harriers belong.
• Accipitridae: The family that includes the genus , along with eagles, hawks, and kites.

Noun

1. a genus of haws comprising the harriers