gens

noun \ˈjenz, ˈgen(t)s\

plural gen·tes \ˈjen-ˌtēz, ˈgen-ˌtās\

Definition of GENS

: a Roman clan embracing the families of the same stock in the male line with the members having a common name and worshipping a common ancestor

: clan; especially : a patrilineal clan

: a distinguishable group of related organisms

Latin gent-, gens — more at gentle

First Known Use: 1846

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