phenotype

phe·no·type

noun \ˈfē-nə-ˌtīp\

Definition of PHENOTYPE

: the observable properties of an organism that are produced by the interaction of the genotype and the environment

— phe·no·typ·ic \ˌfē-nə-ˈti-pik\ also phe·no·typ·i·cal \-pi-kəl\ adjective

— phe·no·typ·i·cal·ly \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin of PHENOTYPE

German Phänotypus, from Greek phainein to show + typos type

First Known Use: circa 1911

phe·no·type

noun \ˈfē-nə-ˌtīp\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of PHENOTYPE

: the observable properties of an organism that are produced by the interaction of the genotype and the environment—compare genotype 2

—phe·no·typ·ic \ˌfē-nə-ˈtip-ik\ also phe·no·typ·i·cal \-i-kəl\ adjective

—phe·no·typ·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

phenotype

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

All the observable characteristics of an organism, such as shape, size, colour, and behaviour, that result from the interaction of its genotype (total genetic makeup) with the environment. The phenotype may change throughout the life of an individual because of environmental changes and the changes associated with aging. Different environments can influence the development of inherited traits (e.g., size is affected by available food supply) and can alter expression by similar genotypes (e.g., twins brought up in dissimilar families may mature differently). Furthermore, not all inherited possibilities in the genotype are expressed in the phenotype, because some are the result of inactive, recessive, or inhibited genes. See also variation.