heredity
|he/red/i/ty|
B2
🇺🇸
/həˈrɛdəti/
🇬🇧
/hɪˈrɛdəti/
genetic transmission
Etymology
Etymology Information
'heredity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'hereditas,' where 'hered-' meant 'heir.'
Historical Evolution
'hereditas' transformed into the Old French word 'heredité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'heredity' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'the condition of being an heir,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'genetic transmission of characteristics.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the passing of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.
Eye color is determined by heredity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/18 22:36