blending inheritance

noun

: the expression in offspring of phenotypic characters (such as pink flower color from red and white parents) intermediate between those of the parents
also : inheritance in a now discarded theory in which the genetic material of offspring was held to be a uniform blend of that of the parents

Examples of blending inheritance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To maintain variation in a blending inheritance model requires a great deal of mutation, the extent of which is just not plausible. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2013 For example, a century ago, people used to argue that natural selection was impossible because of blending inheritance. Keith Kloor, Discover Magazine, 8 June 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'blending inheritance.' 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

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blending inheritance was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near blending inheritance

Cite this Entry

“Blending inheritance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blending%20inheritance. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

blending inheritance

noun
blend·​ing inheritance ˈblend-iŋ- How to pronounce blending inheritance (audio)
: the expression in offspring of phenotypic characters (as pink flower color from red and white parental plants) intermediate between those of the parents
also : inheritance in a now discarded theory in which the genetic material of offspring was held to be a uniform blend of that of the parents compare mendelian inheritance, quantitative inheritance

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