noun
genii
JEE-nee-eye
noun
1
Plural of genius, referring to guardian spirits in Roman belief.
"Ancient Romans believed household genii watched over the family."
2
Plural of genius, referring to people of extraordinary intelligence or talent.
"The panel brought together several of the field's great genii."
How to Use Genii
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe plural form of "genius" — used for guardian spirits or, less commonly, for multiple brilliant people.
Common mistake
"Geniuses" is the far more common plural today for brilliant people; "genii" is mostly reserved for the mythological/spirit sense.
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Ancient Romans believed household _____ watched over the family.