Definition

Noun 1. A taxonomic category in biological classification: "Genus Portunus" is the type genus of the family Portunidae. This means it is the genus that serves as the reference point for defining the crab family Portunidae, which includes swimming crabs.

Usage

• The genus name is always capitalized and italicized in scientific writing: .
• It is used in taxonomic and biological contexts to refer to this specific group of crabs.
• Example: "Several commercially important crab species belong to ."

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used within the standard biological classification system: Kingdom > Phylum > Class > Order > Family > Genus > Species. occupies the genus rank within the family Portunidae.
• Type Genus Concept: In taxonomy, the type genus is the genus that defines a family. Therefore, the characteristics of the family Portunidae are based on the characteristics of the genus .

Variants and Related Words

• Portunidae (noun): The family of crabs to which the genus belongs, commonly known as swimming crabs.
• Portunus (noun): The abbreviated form of the genus name, used identically to "Genus Portunus" in scientific discourse.
• portunid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Portunidae; relating to the family Portunidae.

Different Meanings

This term has a single, specific meaning in scientific (zoological/taxonomic) English. It does not have common everyday meanings.

Synonyms

• Type genus of Portunidae: This is a descriptive synonym that explicitly states its taxonomic role.

Related Terms (Not Idioms or Phrasal Verbs)

Given its highly specialized scientific nature, "Genus Portunus" is not used in idioms or phrasal verbs. Related terms are strictly taxonomic. * Crustacean: The larger class of arthropods to which these crabs belong. * Decapod: The order (Decapoda) within crustaceans that includes crabs, characterized by ten legs.

Noun

1. type genus of the family Portunidae