Meaning of generic in English

Table of contents

Classifying Adjective
generic
Definitions
1. (of drugs) not protected by trademark
Examples
- « 'Acetaminophen' is the generic form of the proprietary drug 'Tylenol' »
Synonyms
- nonproprietary
2. applicable to an entire class or group
Examples
- « is there a generic Asian mind? »
Synonyms
- general
Qualitative Adjective
generic
Etymology
late 17th century: from French générique, from Latin genus, gener-‘stock, race’
Definitions
1. relating to or common to or descriptive of all members of a genus
Examples
- « the generic name »

Famous quotes

« In today's world, it is shortsighted to think that infectious diseases cannot cross borders. By allowing developing countries access to generic drugs, we not only help improve health in those nations, we also help ourselves control these debilitating and often deadly diseases. »
Ron Wyden
« I don't want to rap about my car. How generic is that? Be creative. »
Andy Milonakis
« The interest in the supernatural in a very generic sense and in the spiritual is not in itself a factor that helps the communication of the Christian faith. »
Karl Lehmann
« Wal-Mart doesn't really care about your faith. Wal-Mart cares if you have money to spend, and it is going to be as generic as possible in exploiting the holiday season for every buck it can make. »
Richard Roeper
« I'm still figuring out why people would want to look at me. Maybe it's generic beauty, but it's weird to be valued for something I was born with. »
Josie Maran