inbreeding
|in/breed/ing|
C1
/ˈɪnˌbriːdɪŋ/
(inbreed)
close breeding
Etymology
Etymology Information
'inbreeding' originates from the English word 'inbreed,' where 'in-' meant 'within' and 'breed' meant 'to produce offspring.'
Historical Evolution
'inbreed' changed from the Old English word 'inbrēdan' and eventually became the modern English word 'inbreed.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to produce offspring within a group,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'breeding within a closely related group.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the breeding of closely related individuals, especially over many generations.
Inbreeding can lead to a decrease in genetic diversity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/12 16:32