(~s)
1.
You use ~ to describe something that refers or relates to a whole class of similar things.
Parmesan is a ~ term used to describe a family of hard Italian cheeses.
? specific
ADJ: usu ADJ n
~ally
I will refer to child abuse ~ally (which includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect).
...something ~ally called ‘rock ‘n’ roll’.
ADV: usu ADV after v, ADV -ed/adj, also ADV with cl
2.
A ~ drug or other product is one that does not have a trademark and that is known by a general name, rather than the manufacturer’s name.
They encourage doctors to prescribe cheaper ~ drugs instead of more expensive brand names.
? branded
ADJ: usu ADJ n
•
Generic is also a noun.
The program saved $11 million in 1988 by substituting ~s for brand-name drugs.
N-COUNT
3.
People sometimes use ~ to refer to something that is exactly typical of the kind of thing mentioned, and that has no special or unusual characteristics.
...~ California apartments, the kind that have white walls and white drapes and were built five years ago.
= archetypal
ADJ: ADJ n