GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found one definition
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Generic (?), Generical (?), a. [L. genus, generis, race, kind: cf. F. générique. See Gender.]
[1913 Webster]
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.” [wns=1]
[1913 Webster]
2. Very comprehensive; pertaining or appropriate to large classes or their characteristics; -- opposed to specific. [wns=3]
[1913 Webster]
3. (Commerce) Not protected by trademark; -- used especially of the names of medications; as, “a generic drug; the generic name of Rogaine is minoxidil”. [wns=2]
[PJC]
☞ Since patented medications cannot be sold except under license from the patentee, medication which is still under patent is not typically sold as a generic drug, i.e., sold under its generic name, though it can be referred to by its generic name.
[PJC]