Definition of: genius

(jēn′yəs) noun plural gen·ius·es for defs. 2–5, 7, 8; ge·ni·i for defs. 6 and 9.
1. Extraordinary intellectual gifts, evidenced in original creation, expression, or achievement.
2. Remarkable aptitude for some special pursuit; a distinguishing natural capacity or tendency: a genius for oratory.
3. A person of phenomenal and original powers for productivity in art, science, statesmanship, etc.: such a genius as Mozart, Shakespeare, Napoleon, Einstein, etc.
4. The dominant influence or essential animating principle of anything; the prevalent feeling or thought (of a nation or era).
5. A representative type; impersonation; embodiment.
6. In Roman antiquity, a beneficent spirit or demon supposed to accompany one through life, or either of two attendant spirits, one good, the other bad; a guardian or tutelary spirit of a person, place, or thing.
7. Hence, a person having an extraordinary influence over another.
8. The traditions, history, associations, influences, etc., of a locality or place.
9. In Mohammedan folklore, a jinni. [<L, tutelary spirit <gen-, stem of gignere beget] Synonyms: talent, talents. Genius is exalted intellectual power capable of operating independently of tuition and training, and marked by extraordinary faculty for original creation, invention, discovery, expression, etc. Talent is marked mental ability, and in a special sense, a particular and uncommon aptitude for some special mental work or attainment. Genius is higher than talent, more spontaneous, less dependent upon instruction, less amenable to training; talent is largely the capacity to learn, acquire, appropriate, adapt oneself to demand. Compare CHARACTER, INGENUITY, MIND, POWER. Antonyms: dulness, folly, imbecility, obtuseness, senselessness, stupidity.