What does generics mean?
Generics are unbranded products, especially medicines sold under their chemical or descriptive names rather than proprietary brand names. In everyday use, the plural form often carries a practical and economic implication: generics are available alternatives to branded versions, frequently at lower prices. The word can also refer more broadly to non-specialized versions of goods or services. In computing, “generics” means parameterized types, classes, or functions that can work with different type arguments. Because the established public meaning of the word is plural, speakers normally say “a generic” for one unbranded product and “generics” for several. The term is neutral rather than pejorative, although describing something as generic can sometimes suggest that it is ordinary or lacks distinctive features. Overall, generics illustrate how naming affects the way products are perceived, valued, and chosen.
noun (plural)Generics are unbranded products, especially medicines sold under a chemical or descriptive name rather than a proprietary brand name. The term can also refer more broadly to unbranded versions of consumer goods and other products.
- Medicines marketed under a chemical or descriptive name rather than a proprietary brand name.
- Unbranded versions of consumer goods or other products.
- Parameterized types, classes, or functions in computing.
"The pharmacy stocked generics because they were less expensive than the branded versions."
"The doctor recommended generics to reduce the cost of the prescription."
"In type theory, generics let a class or function operate on different types."
Generics is the standard plural of generic and is the usual form when referring to unbranded medicines or products.
"Consumers often switch to generics to reduce their prescription costs."
The word “generic” means “of the kind”; its biggest success was proving that a product did not need a memorable name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of generics
The English adjective generic comes from Latin genericus, meaning “of the kind” or “pertaining to a class,” formed from genus, meaning “kind” or “origin,” and the suffix -icus. The plural form generics later became especially common for unbranded medicines and other products. General and generous descend more directly through Latin forms associated with genus, while genuine and genius are related through the broader Indo-European root meaning “beget” or “produce.”
Related word forms
How generics is actually used
The plural form is especially common when referring to unbranded medicines and products. In computing, the term has a distinct technical meaning. The word is generally neutral, though describing something as “generic” can imply that it is unremarkable or lacks distinctive features.