generic

{ } 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 ]

adv. With regard to a genus, or an extensive class; as, an animal generically distinct from another, or two animals or plants generically allied. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality of being generic. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A medication sold under its generic name; -- usually legal only after the patent has expired, or if no patent was issued for the substance. Generic drugs are usually less expensive than proprietary medications. [ PJC ]