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Synonyms

genetics

American  
[juh-net-iks] / dʒəˈnɛt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

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

  2. the genetic properties and phenomena of an organism.

genetics British  
/ dʒɪˈnɛtɪks /

noun

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

  2. 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
genetics Scientific  
/ jə-nĕt′ĭks /

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

genetics Cultural  

  1. 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.)

Etymology

Origin of genetics

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

Compare meaning

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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.

Their names and titles were listed under the photo as a genetics team working with the US government.

From Literature

While skeletal remains can sometimes show signs of infection, genetics often tell a more complex story.

From Science Daily

Claire Rowney, the chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, said the move would "transform the lives of women who are at increased risk of breast cancer due to their family history or genetics".

From BBC

"Alzheimer's Research UK is delighted to support Dr. Williams as he continues to investigate how genetics alongside environmental and societal factors influence dementia risk, which will ultimately bring us closer to a cure."

From Science Daily

The effectiveness of these drugs seems to depend on cancer type, genetics, and underlying health conditions.

From Science Daily

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.