heredity

noun

he·​red·​i·​ty hə-ˈre-də-tē 

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

Examples of heredity in a Sentence

Heredity plays no part in the disease.

Recent Examples on the Web

Genetics and heredity may play a role, and lifestyle factors may also contribute.2 Unknown Causes of Precancerous Cells and Pancreas Tumors Risk factors are not causes. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024

And both relied on the xenophobic logic and pseudoscientific understandings of heredity that define eugenics. —Arthur Caplan, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2024

However, heredity, genetics, and environmental factors may also have an impact. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Even so, the impact of age and bad heredity can be greatly reduced by following a healthy lifestyle. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French heredité, borrowed from Latin hērēditāt-, hērēditās "inheritance," from hērēd-, hērēs heir entry 1 + -itāt-, -itās -ity

First Known Use

circa 1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

heredity

noun

he·​red·​i·​ty hə-ˈred-ət-ē 

plural heredities

1

: the genes and the genetic traits whose expression they control that are passed on from one's parents

2

: the passing on of genes and genetic traits from parent to offspring

Medical Definition

heredity

noun

he·​red·​i·​ty hə-ˈred-ət-ē 

plural heredities

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