Class

Pronunciation: /klas/

Category: Taxonomy

Singular: Class

Plural: Classes

Definition

A taxonomic rank used in the classification of organisms, below phylum and above order.

Etymology

From Latin 'classis', meaning 'a group or division' originally used to refer to a division of Roman citizens.

Example

Insects belong to the class Insecta within the phylum Arthropoda.

Synonyms

Grouping
Category
Division

Related Terms

Phylum
Order
family
Genus
Species

Usage Notes

The term 'class' is used universally across biological classifications and helps in specifying the rank of an organism within its higher hierarchical structure.