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 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>
4 : of or relating to inheritance or heredity

synonyms see innate

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