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View synonyms for

heredity

[ huh-red-i-tee ]

noun

Biology.
plural heredities.
  1. the transmission of genetic characters from parents to offspring: it is dependent upon the segregation and recombination of genes during meiosis and fertilization and results in the genesis of a new individual similar to others of its kind but exhibiting certain variations resulting from the particular mix of genes and their interactions with the environment.
  2. the genetic characters so transmitted.


heredity

/ ɪˈɛɪɪ /

noun

  1. the transmission from one generation to another of genetic factors that determine individual characteristics: responsible for the resemblances between parents and offspring
  2. the sum total of the inherited factors or their characteristics in an organism
“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

heredity

  1. The passage of biological traits or characteristics from parents to offspring through the inheritance of genes.

heredity

  1. The passing of characteristics from parents to children. ( See genetics .)
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Word History and Origins

Origin of heredity1

First recorded in 1530–40; from Middle French heredite, from Latin ŧŧ徱-, stem of ŧŧ徱 “inheritance,” from ŧŧ- (stem of ŧŧ ) heir + - -ity
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Word History and Origins

Origin of heredity1

C16: from Old French heredite, from Latin ŧŧ徱 inheritance; see heir
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Compare Meanings

How does heredity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

From the description of skin as “blue black” to the blues as a musical genre, the color blue and its many shades intertwine with African American heredity, history and heritage.

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Using this data on heredity, the researchers have been able to categorise patients into three different groups.

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The emperor was not chosen by heredity, like most other monarchies.

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It’s a Gothic, environmental take on heredity as well as inheritance, with one of the Haddesley daughters, Wenna, challenging both as human and earthen secrets bubble to the surface.

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In these biological DNA letters our heredity is stored.

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hereditistheredo-familial