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Glite Dictionary
genus Thymus

genus Thymus

8.5
A group of small herbs with a strong smell like thyme that grow in Europe, North Africa, and Asia
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈθaɪməs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Thymus
  • The genus Thymus includes many species of aromatic herbs, such as common thyme.

Examples

  • Members of the genus Thymus are often cultivated for culinary and medicinal use.

  • Many chefs use herbs from the genus Thymus in their dishes.

  • Botanists have identified over 300 species within the genus Thymus.

  • The genus Thymus includes several species of thyme.

  • Botanists have identified over 300 species within the genus Thymus.

  • Members of the genus Thymus are often cultivated for culinary and medicinal use.

  • The genus Thymus includes many species of aromatic herbs, such as common thyme.

Synonyms

Thymus
vsgenus Thymus
  • Specialized
7.7

A group of small aromatic plants like thyme grown for fragrant leaves and flowers

specifies herbaceous growth and native regions in Europe, North Africa, and Asia

Surface Forms

genus Thymus singular
genera Thymus plural

Morphology

genus + Thymus

The phrase is transparently compositional: 'genus' (a biological rank) combined with 'Thymus' (the name of the genus) directly yields the meaning 'the genus called Thymus'. Taxonomic naming follows the same logic across languages and uses a proper Latin name, so a B1 learner who knows both constituent meanings will readily understand this phrase.

Etymology

Genus Thymus may come from the old Greek word thymon meaning 'smell' or 'perfume', because these plants give off a strong scent. So the name fits: it refers to a 'group' of scented herbs like thyme that people use for cooking and medicine.