A generic term is a noun or noun phrase that refers to:
(English)
Mish, Frederick (editor). 1991.Webster's ninth new collegiate dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster. 1,564 pages. 0877795088; indexed 0877795096; deluxe 087779510X.
Hawkins, John A. 1978.Definiteness and indefiniteness: A study in reference and grammaticality prediction. London: Croom Helm.
Crystal, David. 1985.A dictionary of linguistics and phonetics. 2nd edition. New York: Basil Blackwell.