A "generic term" refers to a word or phrase that describes a general class of items rather than a specific one. For example, the term fruit encompasses a wide variety of specific items like apples, bananas, and oranges. Generic terms are useful for categorizing and discussing groups of related objects or concepts without focusing on individual characteristics. In legal and trademark contexts, a generic term can refer to a name that is commonly used to describe a product or service, making it difficult to protect as a brand. For instance, the term computer is generic and cannot be trademarked, while a specific brand like Apple can be protected.