phylum

noun phy·lum \ˈfī-ləm\

biology : a large group of related animals or plants

plural phy·la \-lə\

Full Definition of PHYLUM

a : a direct line of descent within a group

b : a group that constitutes or has the unity of a phylum; specifically : a primary category in biological taxonomy especially of animals that ranks above the class and below the kingdom — compare division 10

: a group of languages related more remotely than those of a family or stock

See phylum defined for English-language learners

See phylum defined for kids

Origin of PHYLUM

New Latin, from Greek phylon tribe, race — more at phyl-

First Known Use: 1876

Rhymes with PHYLUM

hilum, whilom, xylem

PHYLUM Defined for Kids

phylum

noun phy·lum \ˈfī-ləm\

plural phy·la \-lə\

Definition of PHYLUM for Kids

: a group of related living things (as animals or plants) that ranks above the class and below the kingdom in scientific classification

Medical Dictionary

phylum

noun phy·lum \ˈfī-ləm\

plural phy·la \-lə\

Medical Definition of PHYLUM

: a major group of animals or in some classifications plants sharing one or more fundamental characteristics that set them apart from all other animals and plants and forming a primary category of the animal or plant kingdom <the phylum Arthropoda>