genèric

Genèric is a Catalan word that functions as both an adjective and a noun to denote the general, non-specific, or class-level nature of something. In Catalan usage, it describes items, terms, or concepts that apply to a group rather than to a single instance.

Etymology: genèric derives from Latin genus, via French générique; cognates appear in several Romance languages, including Spanish genérico, Portuguese genérico, and Italian generico. The Catalan form genèric is written with a grave accent on the e, which marks its stress pattern in the language.

Usage in linguistics and semantics: a generic term or statement refers to a class as a whole rather than to a particular member. For example, "Els gossos són mamífers" expresses a generic claim about dogs and mammals rather than about a specific dog.

In medicine and commerce: the term genèric is used to describe a generic version of a branded medicine, typically after patent expiry. A genèric drug contains the same active ingredient and is required to demonstrate bioequivalence to the reference product, while usually being offered at a lower price. Beyond pharmaceuticals, genèric can describe non-branded, standard versions of products in various markets.

See also: generic drug; generic term.