heterozygosity

noun

het·​ero·​zy·​gos·​i·​ty ˌhe-tə-rō-(ˌ)zī-ˈgä-sə-tē How to pronounce heterozygosity (audio)
: the state of being heterozygous

Examples of heterozygosity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Clonal polymorphism and high heterozygosity in the celibate genome of the Amazon molly Cell Research. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024 Averageness also corresponds to heterozygosity, or genetic diversity, which is another good thing. Paul Bloom, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2019 This can explain the lower heterozygosity of northern populations (see map to left). Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2012 Some DNA tests — such as the Embark Purebred DNA Test — can show indications of inbreeding through a test called genetic diversity (aka, heterozygosity). Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 3 May 2023 To get some idea of why, consider the statistic of heterozygosity. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2011 Some DNA tests — such as the Embark Vet DNA Test Kit for Purebred Dogs — can show indications of inbreeding through a test called genetic diversity (aka, heterozygosity). Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 21 Oct. 2022 In contrast heterozygosity is generally not so disastrous. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 17 Nov. 2010 The range of heterozygosity in chimpanzees is huge. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 4 July 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heterozygosity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heterozygosity was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near heterozygosity

Cite this Entry

“Heterozygosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterozygosity. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

heterozygosity

noun
het·​ero·​zy·​gos·​i·​ty ˌhet-ə-rō-(ˌ)zī-ˈgäs-ət-ē How to pronounce heterozygosity (audio)
: the state of being heterozygous

Medical Definition

heterozygosity

noun
het·​ero·​zy·​gos·​i·​ty -ˈgäs-ət-ē How to pronounce heterozygosity (audio)
plural heterozygosities
: the state of being heterozygous
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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