Definition of acquired
1
: gained by or as a result of effort or experience
acquired wealth acquired knowledge
2
: attained as a new or added characteristic, trait, or ability
an acquired taste It has been theorized that the acquired tolerance to peppers' heat reported by those who enjoy repeated meals of blistering hot peppers is caused by the killing of pain receptors in the mouth. — The Columbia (Missouri) Daily Tribune
: such as
a
: being or relating to a physical or behavioral characteristic or trait arising in response to the action of the environment on an organism
This is clearly a claim on behalf of the Lamarckian idea that members of a species can inherit behavioral characteristics developed by their ancestors, that is, that acquired traits can be biologically transmitted.— David McNally
b
of a disease or medical condition
: developed after birth : not congenital or hereditary
Rheumatic fever is currently uncommon in most developed countries, but it remains the leading cause of acquired heart disease among children in many resource-poor areas …— Michael R. Wessels
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of acquired was in the 15th century
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