Ejusdem Generis Definition

(ee-joose-dem gen-ris) adj. Latin for "of the same kind." Used to interpret statutes when a law lists classes of persons or things. For example, if a law refers to automobiles, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, and other motor-powered vehicles, a court might use ejusdem generis to hold that such vehicles would not include airplanes, because the list included only land-based transportation.