Weismannism

American  

[vahys-mahn-iz-uhm] / ˈvaɪs mɑnˌɪz əm /

noun

Biology.

1. the theories of heredity as expounded by Weismann, especially the theory that all inheritable characteristics are carried in the germ plasm, and that acquired characteristics cannot be inherited.

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Weismannism British  

/ ˈvaɪsmənˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the doctrine of the continuity of the germ plasm. This theory of heredity states that all inheritable characteristics are transmitted by the reproductive cells and that characteristics acquired during the lifetime of the organism are not inherited

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Weismannian
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Weismannism

First recorded in 1890–95; Weismann + -ism

Example Sentences

Weismannism has held the field since 1890 and still dominates the thinking of most biologists.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is a polemic against Weismannism in all details, even to the theory of “germinal selection.”

From Naturalism And Religion by Otto, Rudolf

Unless Weismannism be regarded as this doctrine of absolutism it permits no basis for his attempted theory of evolution.

From Darwin, and After Darwin, Volume 2 Post-Darwinian Questions: Heredity and Utility by Romanes, George John

It is for these reasons that any attempt at dealing with Weismann's fundamental postulate—i.e. that of the non-inheritance of acquired characters—was excluded from my Examination of Weismannism.

From Darwin, and After Darwin, Volume 2 Post-Darwinian Questions: Heredity and Utility by Romanes, George John

It must be understood that when I speak of Weismannism I do not refer to this whole theory of heredity, which, he acknowledges, has few supporters.

From The Story of Evolution by McCabe, Joseph