Definition

A person of exceptional intellectual ability, creativity, or originality who produces work of extraordinary quality and insight; also refers to exceptionally great skill or ability in a particular domain.

Example Usage

Mozart was a musical genius whose compositions continue to astound audiences centuries after his death.

Origin

From Latin 'genius' (guardian spirit, innate ability); acquired its modern psychological sense in the eighteenth century.

Fun Fact

Psychologist Lewis Terman defined 'potential genius' as an IQ of 140+, which occurs in approximately 1 in 250 people.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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