dysgenics

American

[dis-jen-iks] / dɪsˈdʒɛn ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

the study of the operation of factors that cause degeneration in offspring.

dysgenics British

/ dɪsˈdʒɛnɪks /

noun

Also called: cacogenics. (functioning as singular) the study of factors capable of reducing the quality of a race or strain, esp the human race

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of dysgenics

First recorded in 1915–20; dysgenic, -ics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In other words, Bratsberg and Rogeberg showed that the anti-Flynn effect does not substantially result from immigration or dysgenics—but rather stems from some broad, environmental factor.

From Slate

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023