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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.

Some have been spending to improve the genetics in their herds, including breeding cattle that could yield juicier steaks—and possibly land them bigger paydays.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although genetics contribute to risk, the rapid rise over just a few generations points strongly to environmental influences.

From Science Daily

By combining ancient DNA testing with modern clinical genetics, the researchers diagnosed the condition in two individuals buried together in southern Italy.

From Science Daily

While the Human Genome Project transformed our understanding of genetics, it addressed only part of the disease equation.

From Science Daily

This gives short shrift to the foundational curriculum in genetics, biochemistry, biostatistics and epidemiology.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.