consanguinity

[kon-sang-gwin-i-tee]

noun

1. relationship by descent from a common ancestor; kinship (affinity ).

2. close relationship or connection.

consanguinity

/ ˌkɒnsæŋˈɡwɪnɪtɪ /

noun

1. relationship by blood; kinship

2. close affinity or connection

3. geology (of igneous rocks) similarity of origin, as shown by common mineral and chemical compositions and often texture

Other Word Forms

• consanguineous adjective
• consanguineously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of consanguinity¹

1350–1400; Middle English consanguinite (< Anglo-French ) < Latin consanguinitās. See consanguineous, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of consanguinity¹

C14: see _con- , _sanguine

Example Sentences

The findings, now published in Genetics in Medicine OPEN, revealed a correlation between occurrences of complex genetic disorders in those families with increased levels of consanguinity when compared to unaffected populations.

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While the Himba population has historically exhibited a preference for consanguinity, Henn and Swinford were surprised to find that none of the individuals in their sample population had parents who were actually first cousins.

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"In general terms, our studies have shown that the health risks attributed to consanguinity have been exaggerated."

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It’s a wise choice, in keeping with the overall tone of a story about adolescents held together by a cultivated consanguinity.

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Further complicating the picture, there are two kinds of Does in Tiptoe Floorboard: “the Does by affinity and the Does by consanguinity.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times