noun pl. geniuses gen′·iuses

1. 1. according to ancient Roman belief, a guardian spirit assigned to a person at birth; tutelary deity
   2. the guardian spirit of any person, place, etc.
   3. either of two spirits, one good and one evil, supposed to influence one's destiny
   4. a person considered as having strong influence over another
2. jinni
3. the personification of a quality
4. particular character or essential spirit or nature of a nation, place, age, etc.
5. a great natural ability (for a particular activity); strong disposition or inclination
6. 1. great mental capacity and inventive ability; esp., great and original creative ability in some art, science, etc.
   2. a person having such capacity or ability
   3. popularly any person with a very high IQ

Etymology: L, guardian spirit, natural ability, genius < base of genere, gignere, to produce: see genus