First Known Use: circa 1540
Dictionary
heredity
noun he·red·i·ty \hə-ˈre-də-tē\
: the natural process by which physical and mental qualities are passed from a parent to a child
Full Definition of HEREDITY
1
a : inheritance b : tradition
2
a : the sum of the characteristics and potentialities genetically derived from one's ancestors b : the transmission of such qualities from ancestor to descendant through the genes
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Origin of HEREDITY
Middle French heredité, from Latin hereditat-, hereditas, from hered-, heres heir — more at heir
HEREDITY Defined for Kids
heredity
noun he·red·i·ty \hə-ˈre-də-tē\
plural he·red·i·ties
Definition of HEREDITY for Kids
: the passing on of characteristics (as the color of the eyes or hair) from parents to offspring
Medical Dictionary
heredity
noun he·red·i·ty \hə-ˈred-ət-ē\
plural he·red·i·ties
Medical Definition of HEREDITY
1
: the sum of the qualities and potentialities genetically derived from one's ancestors
2
: the transmission of traits from ancestor to descendant through the molecular mechanism lying primarily in the DNA or RNA of the genes—compare meiosis
Learn More About HEREDITY
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