Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

generic programming
     
         A programming technique which aims to make
        programs more adaptable by making them more general.  Generic
        programs often embody non-traditional kinds of {polymorphism};
        ordinary programs are obtained from them by suitably
        instantiating their parameters.  In contrast with normal
        programs, the parameters of a generic programs are often quite
        rich in structure.  For example they may be other programs,
        {types} or {type constructors} or even programming
        {paradigms}.
     
        (1997-11-22)