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

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

Now, as just explained, the parts of this system which may be properly and distinctively called "Weismannism" are those which go to form the Y-like structure of deductions from the fundamental postulate.

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

And it is necessary to be emphatic on this point, since some of the reviewers of my Examination of Weismannism confound these two things.

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

Let us now proceed to the experimental evidence which has been adduced on the side of Weismannism.

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