Kallikak

[ kal-i-kak ]

noun

1. the fictitious name of an actual family that was the focus of a sociological study: one branch of feeble-minded descendants were mostly social degenerates, while another branch with descendants of normal intelligence were mostly successful.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Kallikak¹

< Greek kalli- calli- + kak- ( caco- )

Example Sentences

Martin Kallikak was a youthful soldier in the Revolutionary War.

From Project Gutenberg

If you are really hurt, I will read the Kallikak book; but I must tell you that you are working me to death.

From Project Gutenberg

Kallikak family, results of environment rather than heredity shown by, 249.

From Project Gutenberg

The studies of the Edwards family on one hand and the so-called Kallikak family on the other, point to the same conclusion.

From Project Gutenberg

A few years after returning from the war this same Martin Kallikak married a respectable girl of good family.

From Project Gutenberg