acquired

ac·quired | \ ə-ˈkwī(-ə)rd

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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Dictionary Entries near acquired

acquired brain injury

acquired immune deficiency syndrome

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

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Cite this Entry

“Acquired.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquired. Accessed 1 Apr. 2020.

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More Definitions for acquired

acquired

adjective

ac·quired

Medical Definition of acquired

1 of a disease or medical condition : developed or originating after birth : not congenital or hereditary Hyperoxaluria may be due to overproduction from hereditary disorders of metabolism or it may be an acquired disorder caused by intestinal disease or diet. — The Journal of the American Medical Association, 19 Aug. 1988 — compare congenital sense 2, familial, genetic sense 2, hereditary

2 : 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, Bodies of Meaning, 2001

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