Definition & Meaning of "generic"

generic

ADJECTIVE

relating to or suitable for a whole group or class of things rather than a specific one

Example

The store offers a generic brand of cereal that is n't tied to any major company.

Most consumers prefer branded products, but some opt for generic alternatives to save money.

The store sells generic brands of household products that are more affordable than name brands.

referring to traits or features that are shared by all members of a particular biological genus

Example

The botanist spent years identifying the generic features of various plant genera in the rainforest.

It 's essential to understand both the specific species traits and the generic genus traits when classifying animals.

The entomologist documented the generic characteristics of insect species found in the tropical rainforest.

(of drugs) not protected by trademark

having no imagination, originality, or distinct quality

Generic

NOUN

any product that can be sold without a brand name

wine that does not meet the minimum qualifications and standards for use of a designation by appellation of origin (where the grapes are grown) or by varietal content; may only be labeled by proprietary (made-up) name, by general color (such as `vin rouge', `vino rosso', `rotwein', `red wine', etc.), or by general class (as `vin ordinaire', `vin de table', `vino da tavola', `tafelwein', `table wine', etc.)