inheritance

in·her·i·tance

noun \in-ˈher-ə-tən(t)s, -ˈhe-rə-\

Definition of INHERITANCE

1

a : the act of inheriting property b : the reception of genetic qualities by transmission from parent to offspring c : the acquisition of a possession, condition, or trait from past generations

2

: something that is or may be inherited

3

a : tradition b : a valuable possession that is a common heritage from nature

4

obsolete : possession

Examples of INHERITANCE

1. She began her own business with the inheritance she got from her grandfather.
2. He left sizable inheritances to his children.
3. The buildings are part of the city's architectural inheritance.
4. the inheritance of an estate
5. the inheritance of a genetic trait

First Known Use of INHERITANCE

14th century

Related to INHERITANCE

Synonyms: bequest, birthright, heritage, legacy, patrimony

Related Words: heirloom; bestowal, gift, offering, present

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Other Genetics Terms

chimera, hermaphrodite, plasticity