[ˈsʊ.iː ˈɡɛnɛrɪs]) has a meaning "of its own kind/genus" and hence "unique in its characteristics".
The term is widely used to refer to (1) philosophy, when a concept is not available; (2) biology, when a species does not fit into a genus which includes other species; (3) law, when a special and unique interpretation of a case or authority is found to be necessary; (4) politics and societal norms, where there is no real authority perceived.