hereditary
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.he·red·i·tary
adjective \hə-ˈre-də-ˌter-ē\Definition of HEREDITARY
1
a : genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring b : characteristic of or fostered by one's predecessors
2
a : received or passing by inheritance or required to pass by inheritance or by reason of birth b : having title or possession through inheritance or by reason of birth
3
: of a kind established by tradition <hereditary enemies>
See Examples of HEREDITARY
- He suffers from a rare hereditary condition.
- <eye and hair color are hereditary>
Origin of HEREDITARY
Middle English hereditarie, from Latin hereditarius, from hereditas
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to HEREDITARY
- Antonyms
- nonhereditary
See Synonym Discussion at innate
Other Genetics Terms
he·red·i·tary
adjective \hə-ˈred-ə-ˌter-ē\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of HEREDITARY
1
: genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring—compare acquired 2, congenital 2, familial
2
: of or relating to inheritance or heredity
—he·red·i·tar·i·ly \-ˌred-ə-ˈter-ə-lē\ adverb
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