PHYLUM

phylum

(noun) (biology) the major taxonomic group of animals and plants; contains classes

phylum

(noun) (linguistics) a large group of languages that are historically related

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

phylum (plural phyla or phylums)

(taxonomy) A rank in the classification of organisms, below kingdom and above class; also called a division, especially in describing plants; a taxon at that rank

(linguistics) A large division of possibly related languages, or a major language family which is not subordinate to another.

Synonyms

• (group of languages): superstock

Source: Wiktionary


Phy"lum, n.; pl. Phyla. Etym: [NL. See Phylon.] (Zoöl.)

Definition: One of the larger divisions of the animal kingdom; a branch; a grand division.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

23 May 2025

THOUGHTFULLY

(adverb) showing consideration and thoughtfulness; “he had thoughtfully brought with him some food to share”


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Coffee Trivia

In the 16th century, Turkish women could divorce their husbands if the man failed to keep his family’s pot filled with coffee.

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