adjective
Referring to or applicable to all members of a group, kind, or class. In biology, of or referring to a genus. In law, a word not protected by trademark, as in The word “cola” is a generic term.
noun
A type of food, drug, or item marketed in a package without a brand name. A generic drug is one on which the patent has expired, manufactured according to the patent by a generic drug manufacturer.
“Mother” has always been a generic term synonymous with love, devotion, and sacrifice. There’s always been something mystical and reverent about them. They’re the Walter Cronkites of the human race ... infallible, virtuous, without flaws and conceived without original sin, with no room for ambivalence.
—Erma Bombeck Motherhood, The Second Oldest Profession (1983)
Have a discussion about this article with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In