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generic use

[dʒəˈnerɪk juːs]
nounpl: generic uses
uso genérico
1. The use of a trademark or brand name as a common descriptive term for a general category of products or services, rather than as a specific brand identifier
The generic use of 'kleenex' to refer to any facial tissue is a common example of trademark genericization
O uso genérico de 'kleenex' para se referir a qualquer lenço de papel é um exemplo comum de genericização de marca registrada
2. In linguistics, the application of a word or term in a broad, non-specific manner applicable to a whole class of things
The generic use of 'man' to refer to all humanity has become controversial in modern English
O uso genérico de 'homem' para se referir a toda a humanidade tornou-se controverso no inglês moderno
Synonyms
generic applicationgeneralized usebroad application
Antonyms
specific usetrademark useproprietary use

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
uso genérico
Standard term used in legal and linguistic contexts
Portugal
uso genérico
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; formal usage
São Paulo
uso genérico
Commonly used in business and marketing discussions

Related Idioms & Phrases

become a household name
lose trademark protection
genericization of trademark
use as a common noun
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