phenetics

[ fi-net-iks ]

/ fɪˈnɛt ɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb) Biology.

classification of organisms based on measurable similarities and differences rather than genetic makeup and evolutionary descent.

Nearby words

phencyclidine, phene, phenelzine, phenethyl alcohol, phenetic, phenetics, phenetidine, phenetole, phenformin, phenic acid, phenicia

Origin of phenetics

see origin at phenetic, -ics

Related forms

phe·net·i·cist

[fi-net-uh-sist] /fɪˈnɛt ə sɪst/, noun

Usage note

See -ics.

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

British Dictionary definitions for phenetics

phenetics

/ (fɪˈnɛtɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) biology a system of classification based on similarities between organisms without regard to their evolutionary relationships

Derived Forms

phenetic, adjective

Word Origin for phenetics

C20: from phen (otype) + (gen) etics

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