genetics

[ juh-net-iks ]

/ dʒəˈnɛt ɪks /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR genetics ON THESAURUS.COM

noun (used with a singular verb)

Biology. the science of heredity, dealing with resemblances and differences of related organisms resulting from the interaction of their genes and the environment.

the genetic properties and phenomena of an organism.

Nearby words

genetic screening, genetic testing, genetically modified, genetically modified organism, geneticist, genetics, genetotrophic, geneva, geneva bands, geneva convention, geneva conventions

Origin of genetics

see genetic, -ics; term first proposed in this sense by British biologist William Bateson (1861–1926) in 1905

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for genetics

Genetics alone does not an eating disorder make, generally speaking, and Bulik points out that environment still plays a role.
How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans ‘Underweight’ Models|Carrie Arnold|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Nature and nurture, genetics and family background all come into play.
Inside the Mind of an ISIS Jihadi|Jamie Dettmer|September 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Keep in mind that our body shape is often determined by genetics,” says Dr. Ball.
Waist Training: Can You Cinch Your Waist Thin?|DailyBurn|July 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Recent research has shown perfectionism to be an issue of genetics.
Face It—We Rubes Will Never Live Like Gwyneth and Jennifer Aniston|Rachel Bertsche|July 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Genetics, environmental factors, and other variables contribute to weight gain and eating disorders.
Has ‘The Biggest Loser’ Gone Too Far?|Tricia Romano|February 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They also opened new horizons for hypotheses in astronomy, genetics, anthropology.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin
It is absolutely necessary that genealogy go into partnership with genetics, the general science of heredity.
Applied Eugenics|Paul Popenoe and Roswell Hill Johnson
The specimen for genetics, which he had almost forgotten about, arrived an hour before he was scheduled to depart.
Membership Drive|Murray F. Yaco
We strongly object to any such misuse of the word, which should designate the application of genetics to the human race.
Applied Eugenics|Paul Popenoe and Roswell Hill Johnson
Eugenics is the science of reproducing better humans by applying the established laws of genetics or heredity.
Sex-education|Maurice Alpheus Bigelow

British Dictionary definitions for genetics

genetics

/ (dʒɪˈnɛtɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the branch of biology concerned with the study of heredity and variation in organisms

the genetic features and constitution of a single organism, species, or group

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

Medicine definitions for genetics

genetics

[ jə-nĕt′ĭks ]

n.

The branch of biology that deals with heredity, especially the mechanisms of hereditary transmission and the variation of inherited traits among similar or related organisms.

Science definitions for genetics

genetics

[ jə-nĕt′ĭks ]

The scientific study of the principles of heredity and the variation of inherited traits among related organisms.

Culture definitions for genetics

genetics

The study of heredity, or how the characteristics of living things are transmitted from one generation to the next. Every living thing contains the genetic material that makes up DNA molecules. This material is passed on when organisms reproduce. The basic unit of heredity is the gene. (See chromosomes; dominant trait; genetic code; Gregor Mendel; recessive trait; and sexual reproduction.)