generic

¹ge·ner·ic

adj \jə-ˈner-ik, -ˈne-rik\

Definition of GENERIC

1

a : relating to or characteristic of a whole group or class : general b : being or having a nonproprietary name <generic drugs> c : having no particularly distinctive quality or application <generic restaurants>

2

: relating to or having the rank of a biological genus

— ge·ner·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— ge·ner·ic·ness noun

Examples of GENERIC

1. “Flu” is sometimes used as a generic term for any illness caused by a virus.
2. <a love of big things—big cars, big meals—seems to be a generic trait of the American people>

Origin of GENERIC

French générique, from Latin gener-, genus birth, kind, class

First Known Use: 1676

Related to GENERIC

Synonyms: across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush, common, general, global, overall, universal

Antonyms: individual, particular

Related Words: all-embracing, broad, broad-gauge (or broad-gauged), broadscale, comprehensive, extensive, inclusionary, overarching, pervasive, sweeping, ubiquitous, wholesale, wide, widespread; aggregate, collective, complete, full, plenary; planetary, worldwide

Near Antonyms: component, constituent; cross-sectional, divisional, fragmentary, partial; local, localized, regional, sectional

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Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific, spectrum

Rhymes with GENERIC

chimeric, choleric, enteric, Homeric, numeric