recessive trait

Cultural  

1. In genetics, a trait that must be contributed by both parents in order to appear in the offspring. Recessive traits can be carried in a person's genes without appearing in that person. For example, a dark-haired person may have one gene for dark hair, which is a dominant trait, and one gene for light hair, which is recessive. It is thus possible for two dark-haired parents to have a light-haired child, provided each parent contributes a gene for light hair.

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Example Sentences

The tyrannical doctrine of Christian nationalism, which falsely claims that the United States is a country founded by and for Christians, comes and goes — a recessive trait in the body politic that has reared its ugly head throughout American history.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s because it takes a recessive trait or traits in the clover’s genetics for there to be more than the normal 3 leaves, says Vincent Pennetti, a doctoral student at the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

From Seattle Times

"We knew albinism was an inherited recessive trait, but we didn't know which gene was responsible," Stroupe said.

From Science Daily

It’s a recessive trait that runs in his father’s side of the family.

From Washington Post

“Our favorite hypothesis is that it is an X-linked recessive trait,” Casanova says.

From Science Magazine