CLASS

n. Kla3s. Lat., cla is. Fr., cla e. Ger., Kla e, Abtheilung. It., cla e. Sp., clase. 1. A primary division of plants, arranged according to some one or more characteristics common to the whole group. In most systems of cla ifications the term is applied to the highest division and includes orders, families, genera, and species. For examples see under CLASSIFICATION. [B (a, 24).] 2. A fundamental division of animals (e. g., the birds). [L, 343.] Artificial c. Fr., cla e artificielle. A division founded upon a few external distinctions, without strict regard to natural affinities. [B (a, 24).] Natxiral c. Fr., cla e naturelle. A division based upon a scientific study of all natural affinities, whether morphological, structural, or physiological. For examples see under CLASSIFICATION. [B (a, 24).] [s. 307]