n.
Pronunciation: ' f ī -l ə m
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural phy · la \ -l ə \
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek phylon tribe, race ― more at PHYL-
Date: 1876
1 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
2 : a group of languages related more remotely than those of a family or stock