Main Entry:

he·red·i·tary

Pronunciation:

\hə-ˈre-də-ˌter-ē\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English hereditarie, from Latin hereditarius, from hereditas

Date:

15th century

1 a: genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring b: characteristic of or fostered by one's predecessors2 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 birth3: of a kind established by tradition <hereditary enemies>4: of or relating to inheritance or heredity

synonyms see innate

— he·red·i·tar·i·ly \-ˌre-də-ˈter-ə-lē\ adverb