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genius definition

gen·ius (jēn′yəs; also, esp. for 1-2, jē′nē əs)

noun pl. geniuses gen′·iuses

    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
    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

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