heredity

American  

[huh-red-i-tee] / həˈrɛd ɪ ti /

noun

Biology.

PLURAL

heredities

1. the transmission of genetic characters from parents to offspring: it is dependent upon the segregation and recombination of genes during meiosis and fertilization and results in the genesis of a new individual similar to others of its kind but exhibiting certain variations resulting from the particular mix of genes and their interactions with the environment.

2. the genetic characters so transmitted.

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heredity British  

/ hɪˈrɛdɪtɪ /

noun

1. the transmission from one generation to another of genetic factors that determine individual characteristics: responsible for the resemblances between parents and offspring

2. the sum total of the inherited factors or their characteristics in an organism

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heredity Scientific  

/ hə-rĕd′ĭ-tē /

1. The passage of biological traits or characteristics from parents to offspring through the inheritance of genes.

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heredity Cultural  

1. The passing of characteristics from parents to children. (See genetics.)

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Etymology

Origin of heredity

First recorded in 1530–40; from Middle French heredite, from Latin hērēditāt-, stem of hērēditās “inheritance,” from hērēd- (stem of hērēs ) heir + -itās -ity

Compare meaning

How does heredity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• heredity vs. genetics

Example Sentences

Holmes’ words were a quintessential expression of “eugenics,” a pseudoscientific notion that social problems can be alleviated by focusing on heredity, and sequestering, forcibly sterilizing or even murdering those whose genetic heritage jeopardizes civilization.

From Los Angeles Times

From the description of skin as “blue black” to the blues as a musical genre, the color blue and its many shades intertwine with African American heredity, history and heritage.

From Los Angeles Times

Using this data on heredity, the researchers have been able to categorise patients into three different groups.

From Science Daily

The emperor was not chosen by heredity, like most other monarchies.

From Salon

It’s a Gothic, environmental take on heredity as well as inheritance, with one of the Haddesley daughters, Wenna, challenging both as human and earthen secrets bubble to the surface.

From Los Angeles Times