/jenz/ , n. , pl. gentes /jen"teez/ .
1. a group of families in ancient Rome claiming descent from a common ancestor and united by a common name and common ancestral religious rites.
2. Anthropol. a group tracing common descent in the male line; clan.
[ 1840-50; gens race, people. See GENUS, GENDER 1 , GENDER 2 ]