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genius

gen·ius [ jnyəss, jnee əss ] (plural gen·ius·es)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. somebody with outstanding talent: somebody with exceptional ability, especially somebody whose intellectual or creative achievements gain worldwide recognition

2. outstanding talent: exceptional intellectual or creative ability

3. somebody with specific skill: a person with great specialized skill
a genius with computers

4.  (plural ge·ni·i [ jnee  ]) quality: a special quality that characterizes a place, period, or people

5.  (plural ge·ni·i) guardian spirit: in Roman mythology, a guardian spirit of a person, place, or institution

6.  (plural ge·ni·i) demon: a supposed demon or supernatural being

7. influence: somebody who or something that exerts a strong influence
an evil genius

[14th century. < Latin, "guardian spirit" < gignere "beget"]

Word Key: Synonyms

See talent.

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