germs the original parent form is reproduced. In more complicated cases, the first series of organisms
produced agamogenetically may give rise to others by a like process, and these in turn to still other
generations. Ultimately, however, a generation is formed which develops sexual organs, and the original
form is reproduced. — Spontaneous generation (Biol.), the fancied production of living organisms
without previously existing parents from inorganic matter, or from decomposing organic matter, a notion
which at one time had many supporters; abiogenesis.
Generative
(Gen"er*a*tive) a. [Cf. F. génératif.] Having the power of generating, propagating, originating,
or producing. "That generative particle." Bentley.
Generator
(Gen"er*a`tor) n. [L.]
1. One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.
2. An apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical
process, as a steam boiler, gas retort, or vessel for generating carbonic acid gas, etc.
3. (Mus.) The principal sound or sounds by which others are produced; the fundamental note or root of
the common chord; — called also generating tone.
Generatrix
(Gen`er*a"trix) n.; pl. L. Generatrices E. Generatrixes [L.] (Geom.) That which generates; the
point, or the mathematical magnitude, which, by its motion, generates another magnitude, as a line,
surface, or solid; — called also describent.
Generic
(Ge*ner"ic Ge*ner"ic*al) a. [L. genus, generis, race, kind: cf. F. générique. See Gender.]
1. (Biol.) Pertaining to a genus or kind; relating to a genus, as distinct from a species, or from another
genus; as, a generic description; a generic difference; a generic name.
2. Very comprehensive; pertaining or appropriate to large classes or their characteristics; — opposed to
specific.
Generically
(Ge*ner"ic*al*ly), adv. With regard to a genus, or an extensive class; as, an animal generically
distinct from another, or two animals or plants generically allied.
Genericalness
(Ge*ner"ic*al*ness), n. The quality of being generic.
Generification
(Ge*ner`i*fi*ca"tion) n. [L. genus kind, class + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See -fy.] The
act or process of generalizing.
Out of this the universal is elaborated by generification.
Sir W. Hamilton.
