Definition
A generic term is a noun or noun phrase that refers to:
- a whole class
- any member of a class as a representative of its class
Examples
(English)
- A lion is a noble beast.
- The lion is a noble beast.
- Lions are noble beasts.
- The lions are noble beasts.
Sources 3
- Hawkins, J. 1978, 214–215
- Crystal 1985, 136
- Mish 1991, 510