eugenics
[ yoo-jen-iks ]
/ yuˈdʒɛn ɪks /
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noun (used with a singular verb)
the study of or belief in the possibility of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population, especially by such means as discouraging reproduction by persons having genetic defects or presumed to have inheritable undesirable traits (negative eugenics ) or encouraging reproduction by persons presumed to have inheritable desirable traits (positive eugenics ).
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Words nearby eugenics
eugarie, Eugene, Eugenia, eugenic, eugenicist, eugenics, Eugénie, Eugenius I, Eugenius II, Eugenius III, Eugenius IV
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for eugenics
British Dictionary definitions for eugenics
eugenics
/ (juːˈdʒɛnɪks) /
noun
(functioning as singular) the study of methods of improving the quality of the human race, esp by selective breeding
Derived forms of eugenics
eugenic, adjectiveeugenically, adverbeugenicist, nouneugenist (ˈjuːdʒənɪst), noun, adjectiveWord Origin for eugenics
C19: from Greek eugenēs well-born, from eu- + -genēs born; see -gen
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
Medical definitions for eugenics
eugenics
[ yōō-jĕn′ĭks ]
n.
The study of hereditary improvement of the human race by controlled selective breeding.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cultural definitions for eugenics
eugenics
[ (yooh-jen-iks) ]
The idea that one can improve the human race by careful selection of those who mate and produce offspring.
notes for eugenics
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.